Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSPORTING BITUMEN IN SOLIDIFIED
FORM
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
The present invention relates to methods and systems for transporting bitumen.
BACKGROUND
Historically, bitumen from oil sands has been carried over land using trucks,
pipelines, or by rail, and
over water using tankers. Each mode of transportation faces economic or
technical challenges of its
own.
Transportation by truck may not be able to sustain the expanding need of the
oil industry for
moving bitumen to market. For example, transportation by trucks can be
seasonally restricted and
relatively inefficient and expensive compared to other means of transportation
when transporting
large bitumen quantities over large distances.
The pipeline option also faces challenges. Bitumen is so thick and viscous at
ambient temperatures
that it cannot flow through pipelines on its own and instead, bitumen must be
thinned with diluents,
typically natural-gas condensates and/or natural gasolines, to sufficiently
increase its fluidity to carry
it through a pipe over long distances. The blend ratio may consist of 25% to
55% diluent by volume,
depending on characteristics of the bitumen and diluent, pipeline
specifications, operating
conditions, and refinery requirements. The diluent is expensive and reduces
the amount of bitumen
that can be transported but has become accepted by the industry as the "cost"
to move the product
to refineries. That diluent must then be carried back to the oil sands to thin
the next batch of
bitumen, which adds further costs to the process.
The use of rail tank cars to transport bitumen has increased rapidly over the
past several years. While
less or no diluent is required when transporting bitumen in railcars,
representing a significant savings
in diluent costs relative to the pipeline option, however, producers have
continued to transport
diluted bitumen (i.e., dilbit). This is because most oil producers use
pipeline, and therefore dilbit, to
reach intermediate transport points, at which further pipeline capacity isn't
available. To carry the
bitumen to destination, it is loaded on railcars at these points. Since
Diluent Recovery Units (DRUs)
needed to remove the diluent from the bitumen are not likely to be available
at the intermediate
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
transport points, the dilbit is directly loaded into the railcars. The cost to
install the DRU isn't worth
the marginal increase in safety or economic benefits to shippers ¨ which
explain why no such DRUs
have been built to-date.
Over water, bitumen is transported by tanker. However, Canada is currently
formalizing the West
Coast Tanker moratorium, which effectively bans all maritime transport of
crude bitumen over
British Columbia's North Coast waters. Such moratorium renders impossible the
maritime transport
of bitumen extracted in Canada towards the west.
Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a different bitumen
management and transportation
technology, which would alleviate at least some of the above-mentioned
deficiencies.
SUMMARY
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 1 meter.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 5 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 10 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 20 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 30 meters.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 40 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing a crush-resistance test per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 50 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 1 meter.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 5 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 10 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 20 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 30 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 40 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a set of 100
solid bitumen pellets,
the set having a probability of failing an impact-resistance test, per pellet
that does not exceed 0.25,
when the height of drop is of 50 meters.
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a pile of
solid bitumen pellets
having an angle of repose in the range of from about 20 degrees to about 45
degrees.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a solid
bitumen pellet including
an emulsion of bitumen and a hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
storing bitumen,
the method comprising discharging solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of
pellets, the pile including
100 solid bitumen pellets characterized by having a probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance
test that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of the load of pellets is of H
meters, the step of
discharging said solid bitumen pellets to form the pile including controlling
a height of the pile such
that it does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
storing bitumen,
the method comprising discharging solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of
pellets, the pile including
100 solid bitumen pellets characterized by having a probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance
test that does not exceed 0.20, when the height of the load of pellets is of H
meters, the step of
discharging said solid bitumen pellets to form the pile including controlling
a height of the pile such
that it does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
storing bitumen,
the method comprising discharging solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of
pellets, the pile including
100 solid bitumen pellets characterized by having a probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance
test that does not exceed 0.15, when the height of the load of pellets is of H
meters, the step of
discharging said solid bitumen pellets to form the pile including controlling
a height of the pile such
that it does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
storing bitumen
comprising discharging solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of pellets, the
pile including 100 solid
bitumen pellets characterized by having a probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that
does not exceed 0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of H meters,
the step of discharging
said solid bitumen pellets to form the pile including controlling a height of
the pile such that it does
not exceed H.
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method
comprising discharging
solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid
bitumen pellets
characterized by having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of
discharging the solid bitumen
pellets to form the pile including controlling the height from which the
pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that the height does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method
comprising discharging
solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid
bitumen pellets
characterized by having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.20, when the pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of
discharging the solid bitumen
pellets to form the pile including controlling the height from which the
pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that the height does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method
comprising discharging
solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid
bitumen pellets
characterized by having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.15, when the pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of
discharging the solid bitumen
pellets to form the pile including controlling the height from which the
pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that the height does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method
comprising discharging
solid bitumen pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid
bitumen pellets
characterized by having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.10, when the pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of
discharging the solid bitumen
pellets to form the pile including controlling the height from which the
pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that the height does not exceed H.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 1
meter.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 5
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 10
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 20
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 30
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 40
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, wherein the load includes 100 solid bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 50
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 1
meter.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 5
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 10
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 20
meters.
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 30
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 40
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
environmental risk
reduction during transport of bitumen, the method comprising placing a load of
solid bitumen
pellets in a shipping container at an origin, bringing the shipping container
with the load to a
destination, the load including 100 pellets having a probability, per pellet
of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 50
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 1 meter.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 5 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 10 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 20 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 30 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 40 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing a risk of
contaminating a shipping container during transport of bitumen by transfer of
bitumen material to
walls of the shipping container, the method comprising placing a load of solid
bitumen pellets in the
shipping container, the load including 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing a
crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet
load is of 50 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a solid
bitumen pellet, including
a mixture of bitumen and an additive, where the additive operates to increase
the viscosity of the
mixture.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method of
making a solid
bitumen pellet, the method including mixing bitumen with an additive operating
to increase the
viscosity of the bitumen.
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an apparatus
for making a solid
bitumen pellet, comprising an inlet for receiving bitumen and a shell forming
station for forming a
shell around a bituminous core made from bitumen introduced at the inlet.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides bitumen
material retrieved from
a solid bitumen pellet, the bitumen material being suitable for processing in
an oil refinery to
separate the bitumen material into constituents that can be used as fuels,
lubricants and feedstocks in
petrochemical processes, the bitumen material including a content of
hydrocarbonaceous polymer,
wherein the content of the hydrocarbonaceous polymer does not exceed about 0.5
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
reducing the risk of
fire when transporting bitumen, comprising transporting an emulsion of bitumen
and additive
operating to provide the emulsion with a flash point that is higher than
compared to the flash point
of bitumen without the additive.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
retrieving bitumen
from a solid bitumen pellet, the pellet including bitumen and material
contributing to maintain the
pellet in solid form, the method comprising separating the material at least
partially from the
bitumen.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
retrieving bitumen
from a solid bitumen pellet, the pellet including a bituminous core and a
shell protecting the core,
the method including processing the pellet to retrieve bitumen from the pellet
in a condition such
that the bitumen is suitable for processing in an oil refinery to separate the
bitumen material into
constituents that can be used as fuels, lubricants and feedstocks in
petrochemical processes, the
processing of the pellet including a step of separating the shell from the
bituminous core.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method for
facilitating retrieval
of spilled solid bitumen pellets during transport by rail over rail tracks,
comprising providing the
pellets with a color signal configured to make the pellets visually
distinguishable from an
environment of the rail track.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a pellet
with an external
shell, which manifests a reduction in strength in response to a temperature
increase. A shell having
such property is advantageous in that a moderate temperature increase is
sufficient to weaken the
shell, thereby lowering the energy required for removing the shell to expose
the bituminous core.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a bitumen
pellet including a
bitumen core surrounded by an external shell. The bitumen core includes a
mixture of bitumen and
a 1st polymeric material effective to increase the viscosity of the bitumen.
The shell includes a 2nd
polymeric material which may be the same or different from the 1st polymeric
material.
As embodied in broadly described herein, the invention also provides a bitumen
pellet which is
provided with a colour signal designed to visually communicate to an observer
a property of the
pellet. One example of a property is pellet presence; it may be desirable to
make the pellet more
visible in certain environments. For instance, if the pellets are transported
and there is a spill, the
colour signal will make the pellets more easily identifiable such that they
can be picked up. The
color signal can be adjusted depending on the environment. In a snowy
environment, the color
signal is such as to make the pellet of dark colour, thus being more visible
against a white
background. In a maritime environment, the colour signal would be selected to
make the pellet
appear lighter such that it is more visible against a darker background. In
addition, the colour signal
can also convey other information such as the grade of the bitumen,
flammability characteristics and
origin of the pellet (trademark information), among others.
In a specific example of
implementation, adding dye to the pellet shell provides the colour signal. For
instance, the dye can
be added to the polymer material used to make the shell.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a
bitumen pellet that has a
non-stick surface. The advantage of the non-stick surface is that the pellets
will not adhere to each
other or to surfaces when transported in bulk or when they are in contact with
transportation/handling equipment.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides an
additive (a single material
or a combination of different materials) for mixing with bitumen to increase
the viscosity of a
mixture which includes the bitumen, the additive being characterized by a
melting point of at least
about 50 C.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides an
additive for mixing with
bitumen to increase the viscosity of a mixture, which includes the bitumen,
the additive comprising a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
solid bitumen pellet
comprising a bituminous core and a shell enclosing the core, the pellet being
responsive to a
compression applied externally on the shell and of sufficient magnitude to
deform the pellet to
develop an internal gaseous pressure increase which operates to
counterbalance, at least partially the
compression, wherein the internal gaseous pressure increases with an increase
of the compression
applied externally on the shell.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
solid bitumen pellet
comprising a bituminous core and a shell enclosing the core, the shell being
configured to reduce the
exposure of the bituminous core to ambient oxygen.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 1
meter.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 5
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 10
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 20
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 30
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 40
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for reducing a
risk of contaminating automated unloading equipment during unloading of
bitumen from a shipping
container as a result of bitumen material sticking to the unloading equipment,
the method
comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with the unloading
equipment from the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
shipping container, the load including at least 100 bitumen pellets having a
probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25 when the height of
the pellet load is of 50
meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 1 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 5 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 10 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 20 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 30 meters.
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 40 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a
method for unloading
of bitumen from a shipping container, the method comprising unloading a load
of solid bitumen
pellets with automated unloading equipment from the shipping container, the
load including at least
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 50 meters.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides an
additive material retrieved
from a solid bitumen pellet, the additive material comprising a component
operative to increase the
viscosity of bitumen when the component is admixed with the bitumen, and the
additive material
further including bitumen material.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method of
making a solid
bitumen pellet, the method including mixing bitumen with an additive material,
the additive material
including a component operative to increase the viscosity of bitumen when the
component is
admixed with the bitumen, and the additive material further including bitumen
material.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a solid
bitumen pellet
comprising an external shell and an internal bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core,
the pellet having a burst pressure of 0.5 psi or more.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides bitumen
recovered from a
load of solid bitumen pellets, the bitumen incorporating by weight percentage
a non-nil quantity of
additive used to increase the viscosity of the bitumen in the pellets.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a
transportation container for
carrying a load of solid bitumen pellets, the transportation container
including a sensor for detecting
an occurrence of pellet softening that can compromise the structural integrity
of the pellets. In a
non-limiting example of implementation, the sensor is a temperature sensor,
which detects an
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
increase of the temperature in the transportation container above a threshold
at which the pellets
start softening. Optionally, the transportation container is provided with a
cooling device to lower
the temperature and prevent the pellets from softening. The cooling device can
be an active cooling
device, using a refrigeration cycle. Alternatively, the cooling device can
include air vents to allow air
to circulate in the transportation container and cool the load of bitumen
pellets.
The following statements describe additional non-limiting examples of
implementation of the
invention:
1. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 1
meter.
2. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 5
meters.
3. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 10
meters.
4. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 20
meters.
5. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 30
meters.
6. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 40
meters.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
7. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing a crush-resistance test
per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets
having a height of 50
meters.
8. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7,
wherein each pellet
includes a mixture of bitumen and an additive operating to increase a
viscosity of the bitumen.
9. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 8, wherein a
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
10. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
11. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
12. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
13. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 8, wherein the additive
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
14. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
15. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to
about 150 C.
16. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a polyethylene.
17. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
18. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1
wt.% to about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
19. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
20. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 18, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 8 wt.% to about 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
21. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7,
wherein each pellet
includes an external shell and an internal bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the
core.
22. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 21, wherein the
shell is harder than the
core.
23. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein each pellet
includes an
internal pressure which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is
hermetically sealed to
maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.
24. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 23, wherein the
internal pressure is
above ambient pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
25. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the shell
includes an
outwardly extending flash.
26. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the
shell has an outer surface
including irregularities to reduce slipperiness of the pellet.
27. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the
shell includes a crimp
seal.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
28. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 27, wherein the crimp
seal extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
29. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the
shell includes first and
second crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
30. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 27, wherein the
crimp seal extends along
a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
31. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 30, wherein the
crimp seal is formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
32. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 27, wherein the
crimp seal is substantially
free of bitumen.
33. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the core
includes a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the bitumen.
34. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 33, wherein
solubility of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
35. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
36. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
37. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
38. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 33, wherein the
additive includes
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
39. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
40. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to
about 150 C.
41. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a polyethylene.
42. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
43. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 38 to 42,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of
from about 1 wt.%
to about 20 wt.% relative to bitumen.
44. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 43, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to
about 5 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
45. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 38 to 42,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of at
least 10 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
46. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than a quarter inch.
47. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than half an inch.
48. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than an inch.
49. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 2 inches.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
50. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 3 inches.
51. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 4 inches.
52. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 5 inches.
53. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 12 inches.
54. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 1
meter.
55. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 5
meters.
56. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 10
meters.
57. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 20
meters.
58. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 30
meters.
59. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 40
meters.
60. A set of 100 solid bitumen pellets, the set having a probability of
failing an impact-resistance
test, per pellet that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 50
meters.
61. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to
60, wherein the pellet
includes a mixture of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity
of the bitumen.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
62. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 61, wherein
solubility of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
63. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
64. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
65. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
66. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 61, wherein the
additive includes
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
67. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
68. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to
about 150 C.
69. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a polyethylene.
70. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the
polyethylene includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
71. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 63 to 70,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1
wt.% to about
20 wt.% relative to bitumen.
72. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 63 to 70,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
73. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 71, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 8 wt.% to about 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
74. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to
60, wherein each pellet
includes an external shell and an internal bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the
core.
75. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 74, wherein the
shell is harder than the
core.
76. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein each pellet
includes an
internal pressure which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is
hermetically sealed to
maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.
77. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 76, wherein the
internal pressure is
above ambient pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
78. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the shell
includes an
outwardly extending flash.
79. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the
shell has an outer surface
including irregularities to reduce slipperiness of the pellet.
80. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the
shell includes a crimp
seal.
81. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 80, wherein the crimp
seal extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
82. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 80, wherein the
crimp seal extends along
a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
83. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 82, wherein the
crimp seal is formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
84. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 80, wherein the
crimp seal is substantially
free of bitumen.
85. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the
shell includes first and
second crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
86. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the core
includes a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the bitumen.
87. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein
solubility of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
88. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
89. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
90. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to
about 150 C.
91. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a polyethylene.
92. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
93. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 88 to 92,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of
from about 1 wt.%
to about 20 wt.% relative to bitumen.
94. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 93, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of from about 8 wt.% to
about 10 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
95. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 88 to 92,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of at
least 10 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
96. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to
95, each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than a quarter inch.
97. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to
95, each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than half an inch.
98. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to
95, each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than an inch.
99. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to
95, each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 2 inches.
100. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 3 inches.
101. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 4 inches.
102. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 5 inches.
103. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95,
each pellet having a
maximal extent of less than 12 inches.
104. A pile of solid bitumen pellets having an angle of repose in the range of
from about 20
degrees to about 45 degrees.
105. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 104, having an angle
of repose in the
range of from about 25 degrees to about 40 degrees.
106. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 104, having an angle
of repose in the
range of from about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
107. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
106, each pellet
including a mixture of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity
of the bitumen.
108. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 107, wherein
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
109. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 108, wherein the
solubility of the
additive into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
110. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 108, wherein the
solubility of the
additive into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
111. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 108, wherein the
solubility of the
additive into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
112. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 108, wherein the
solubility of the
additive into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
113. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 107, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
114. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 113, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
115. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 113, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to
about 150 C.
116. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 113, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a polyethylene.
117. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 113, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
118. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 113 to
117, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1
wt.% to about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
119. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 113 to
117, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
120. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 118, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 8 to about 10 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
121. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
106, each pellet
including an external shell and an internal bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the
core.
122. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 121, wherein the
shell is harder than the
core.
123. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 122, each pellet
including an internal
pressure which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically
sealed to maintain
the internal pressure of the pellet.
124. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 123, wherein the
internal pressure is
above ambient pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
125. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 122, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
126. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 122, wherein the
shell has an outer
surface including irregularities to reduce slipperiness of the pellet.
127. The pile of bitumen pellet according to embodiment 122, wherein the shell
includes a crimp
seal.
128. The pile of bitumen pellet according to embodiment 127, wherein the crimp
seal extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
129. The pile of bitumen pellet according to embodiment 127, wherein the crimp
seal extends
along a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
130. The pile of bitumen pellet according to embodiment 129, wherein the crimp
seal is formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
131. The pile of bitumen pellet according to embodiment 127, wherein the crimp
seal is
substantially free of bitumen.
132. The pile of bitumen pellet according to embodiment 122, wherein the shell
includes first and
second crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
133. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 122, wherein the core
includes a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the bitumen.
134. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
135. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
136. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 135, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
137. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 135, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to
about 150 C.
138. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 135, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a polyethylene.
139. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 135, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
140. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 135 to
139, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of
from about 1 wt.%
to about 20 wt.% relative to bitumen.
141. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 135 to
139, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of at
least 10 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
142. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than a quarter inch.
143. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than half an inch.
144. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than an inch.
145. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than 2 inches.
146. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than 3 inches.
147. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than 4 inches.
148. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than 5 inches.
149. The pile of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to
141, each pellet
having a maximal extent of less than 12 inches.
150. A solid bitumen pellet, including a mixture of bitumen and an additive,
where the additive
operates to increase the viscosity of the mixture.
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
151. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 150, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
152. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 150, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
153. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 150, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
154. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 150, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%
155. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 150, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
156. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 150 to 155,
wherein the additive
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
157. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 156, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
158. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 156, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to about
150 C.
159. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 156, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes a polyethylene.
160. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 156, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate
(PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (IJ.DPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), or any
combinations thereof.
161. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 156, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
162. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 156, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
163. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 150 to 162,
wherein the pellet
includes an external shell.
164. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 163, wherein the pellet has a
core and the shell
surrounds the core.
165. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
166. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a polyethylene.
167. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a cross-linked polyethylene.
168. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polypropylene
(PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene
(LLDPE), low-
density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
169. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
170. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 5
wt.% relative to bitumen.
171. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 170,
wherein the shell
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer which is different from the additive.
172. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell fully
surrounds the core.
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
173. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell
partially surrounds the
core.
174. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 164, wherein the shell is
substantially free of
bitumen.
175. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 174,
wherein the shell has a
thickness less than about 5 mm.
176. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
177. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
178. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of about 20 im to about 2 mm.
179. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of about 20 im to about 1 mm.
180. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 175 to 179,
wherein the shell
includes an outwardly extending flash.
181. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 174,
wherein the shell is
harder than the core.
182. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 181, wherein the shell
includes a crimp seal.
183. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 182, wherein the crimp seal
extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
184. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 182, wherein the crimp seal
extends along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
185. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 184, wherein the crimp seal is
formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
186. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 182, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free
of bitumen.
187. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 181, wherein the shell
includes first and second
crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
188. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 174,
wherein the shell is in
the form of a film.
189. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 174,
wherein the pellet
includes an internal pressure which is above ambient pressure, wherein the
shell is hermetically
sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.
190. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 189, wherein the internal
pressure is above
ambient pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
191. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188, the
shell having a shape
selected from generally spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally
cylindrical, generally
discoidal, generally tabular, generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky,
generally acicular, generally
ovoidal, generally pillow shaped and any combinations thereof.
192. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than a quarter inch.
193. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than half an inch.
194. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than an inch.
195. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 2 inches.
196. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 3 inches.
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
197. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 4 inches.
198. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 5 inches.
199. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 188,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 12 inches.
200. A set of 100 bitumen pellets, wherein each pellets has a structure as
defined in embodiment
150, wherein the set has a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the pellet load height is of 5 meters.
201. A set of 100 bitumen pellets, wherein each pellets has a structure as
defined in embodiment
150, wherein the set has a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 5 meters.
202. A pile of bitumen pellets, wherein each pellets has a structure as
defined in embodiment 150,
wherein the pile has an angle of repose in the range from about 20 degrees to
about 45
degrees.
203. A solid bitumen pellet including an emulsion of bitumen and a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
204. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 203, wherein the emulsion
includes discrete
droplets of said hydrocarbonaceous polymer dispersed throughout the bitumen.
205. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 204, wherein subjecting the
pellet to a recovery
process including a coalescence step, results in a fusion of at least a
portion of said discrete
droplets of said hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
206. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
207. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of
from about
50 C to about 150 C.
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
208. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer includes a polyethylene.
209. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer includes high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (IJ.DPE),
low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
210. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 209,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1
wt.% to about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
211. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 209,
wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
212. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 211,
wherein the pellet
includes an external shell.
213. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 212, wherein the pellet has a
core and the shell
surrounds the core, the emulsion being in the core.
214. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
1. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a polyethylene.
2. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a cross-linked polyethylene.
215. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polypropylene
(PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene
(LLDPE), low-
density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
216. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
217. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 5
wt.% relative to bitumen.
218. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 213 to 219,
wherein the shell
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer being different from the additive.
219. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell fully
surrounds the core.
220. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell
partially surrounds the
core.
221. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 222,
wherein the shell has a
thickness of less than about 5 mm.
222. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
223. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
224. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
225. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
226. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 223 to 227,
wherein the shell
includes an outwardly extending flash.
227. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 213 to 222,
wherein the shell is
harder than the core.
36
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
228. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 229, wherein the shell
includes a crimp seal.
229. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 230, wherein the crimp seal
extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
230. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 230, wherein the crimp seal
extends along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
231. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 232, wherein the crimp seal is
formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
232. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 230, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free
of bitumen.
233. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 229, wherein the shell
includes first and second
crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
234. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 222,
wherein the shell is in
the form of a flexible film.
235. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 222,
wherein the pellet
includes an internal pressure which is above ambient pressure, wherein the
shell is hermetically
sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.
236. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 237, wherein the internal
pressure is above
ambient pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
237. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 236, the
shell having a shape
selected from generally spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally
cylindrical, generally
discoidal, generally tabular, generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky,
generally acicular, generally
ovoidal, generally pillow shaped and any combinations thereof.
238. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than a quarter inch.
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
239. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than half an inch.
240. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than an inch.
241. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than 2 inches.
242. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than 3 inches.
243. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than 4 inches.
244. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than 5 inches.
245. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having
a maximal extent
of less than 12 inches.
246. A set of 100 bitumen pellets, wherein each pellets has a structure as
defined in any one of
embodiments 203 to 247, wherein the set has a probability, per pellet, of
failing a crush-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the pellet load height is of 5
meters.
247. A set of 100 bitumen pellets, wherein each pellets has a structure as
defined in any one of
embodiments 203 to 247, wherein the set has a probability, per pellet, of
failing an impact-
resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when the height of drop is of 5
meters.
248. A pile of bitumen pellets, wherein each pellets has a structure as
defined in any one of
embodiments 203 to 247, wherein the pile has an angle of repose in the range
from about 20
degrees to about 45 degrees.
249. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
38
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
height of the load of pellets is of H meters, the step of discharging said
solid bitumen pellets
to form the pile including controlling a height of the pile such that it does
not exceed H.
250. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.20, when the
height of the load of pellets is of H meters, the step of discharging said
solid bitumen pellets
to form the pile including controlling a height of the pile such that it does
not exceed H.
251. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.15, when the
height of the load of pellets is of H meters, the step of discharging said
solid bitumen pellets
to form the pile including controlling a height of the pile such that it does
not exceed H.
252. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of H meters, the step of discharging said
solid bitumen pellets
to form the pile including controlling a height of the pile such that it does
not exceed H.
253. The method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 254, wherein each
pellet include a
mixture of bitumen and an additive operating to increase a viscosity of the
mixture.
254. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
255. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
256. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
257. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
39
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
258. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
259. The method according to any one of embodiments 255 to 260, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
260. The method according to embodiment 261, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
261. The method according to embodiment 261, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
262. The method according to embodiment 261, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
263. The method according to embodiment 261, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
264. The method according to embodiment 264, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 8 wt.% to about 10 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
265. The method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 254, wherein each
pellet includes an
external shell.
266. The method according to embodiment 267, wherein each pellet has a core
and the shell
surrounds the core.
267. The method according to embodiment 268, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
268. The method according to embodiment 268, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
269. The method according to embodiment 268, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
270. The method according to embodiment 271, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
271. The method according to embodiment 268, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
272. The method according to embodiment 273, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
273. The method according to embodiment 273, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
274. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
275. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
276. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
277. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 4 mm.
278. The method according to any one of embodiments 275 to 279, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
279. The method according to embodiment 273, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
280. The method according to embodiment 281, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
281. The method according to embodiment 281, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
41
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
282. The method according to embodiment 283, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
283. The method according to embodiment 281, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
284. The method according to embodiment 273, wherein the shell includes a
first and second
crimp seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
285. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 pellets characterized by having
a probability, per
pellet, of failing an impact-resistance test that does not exceed 0.25, when
the pellets are
dropped from a height H, the step of discharging the solid bitumen pellets to
form the pile
including controlling the height from which the pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that
the height does not exceed H.
286. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-resistance test of that does not
exceed 0.20, when
the pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of discharging the solid
bitumen pellets to
form the pile including controlling the height from which the pellets are
dropped to form the
pile such that the height does not exceed H.
287. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.15, when the
pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of discharging the pellets to
form the pile
including controlling the height from which the pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that
the height does not exceed H.
288. A method for storing bitumen, the method comprising discharging solid
bitumen pellets to
form a pile of pellets, the pile including 100 solid bitumen pellets
characterized by having a
probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.10, when the
pellets are dropped from a height H, the step of discharging the pellets to
form the pile
42
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
including controlling the height from which the pellets are dropped to form
the pile such that
the height does not exceed H.
289. The method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 290, each pellet
including a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the mixture.
290. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
291. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein the additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
292. The method according to embodiment 293, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
293. The method according to embodiment 293, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
294. The method according to embodiment 293, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
295. The method according to embodiment 293, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
296. The method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 290, wherein each
pellet includes an
external shell.
297. The method according to embodiment 298, wherein each pellet has a core
and the shell
surrounds the core.
298. The method according to embodiment 299, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
299. The method according to embodiment 299, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
43
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
300. The method according to embodiment 299, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
301. The method according to embodiment 302, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
302. The method according to embodiment 299, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
303. The method according to embodiment 304, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
304. The method according to embodiment 304, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
305. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
306. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
307. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
308. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
309. The method according to any one of embodiments 306 to 310, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
310. The method according to embodiment 304, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
311. The method according to embodiment 312, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
44
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
312. The method according to embodiment 312, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
313. The method according to embodiment 314, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
314. The method according to embodiment 312, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
315. The method according to embodiment 304, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
316. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, wherein the load
includes 100 solid
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance
test that does not
exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 1 meter.
317. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
solid bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 5 meters.
318. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
solid bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 10 meters.
319. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
solid bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 20 meters.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
320. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
solid bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 30 meters.
321. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
solid bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 40 meters.
322. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
solid bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 50 meters.
323. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, the method
including
unloading the pellets from the shipping container at the destination.
324. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, the method
including loading
the pellets into the shipping container at the origin using automated loading
equipment.
325. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 326, wherein the
shipping container
is a maritime vessel.
326. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 326, wherein the
shipping container
is a railcar.
327. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, each pellet
including a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the mixture.
328. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
46
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
329. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
330. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
331. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
332. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
333. The method according to any one of embodiments 329 to 334, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
334. The method according to embodiment 335, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
335. The method according to embodiment 335, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
336. The method according to embodiment 335, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
337. The method according to embodiment 335, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
338. The method according to embodiment 338, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 8 wt.% to about 10 wt.%.
339. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, each pellet
including an
external shell.
47
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
340. The method according to embodiment 341, each pellet having a core and the
shell
surrounding the core.
341. The method according to embodiment 342, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
342. The method according to embodiment 342, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
343. The method according to embodiment 342, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
344. The method according to embodiment 345, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
345. The method according to embodiment 342, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
346. The method according to embodiment 347, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
347. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
348. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
349. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
350. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
351. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
48
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
352. The method according to any one of embodiments 347 to 353, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
353. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
354. The method according to embodiment 355, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
355. The method according to embodiment 355, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
356. The method according to embodiment 357, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
357. The method according to embodiment 355, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
358. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
359. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 1 meter.
360. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 5 meters.
361. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
49
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 10 meters.
362. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 20 meters.
363. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 30 meters.
364. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 40 meters.
365. A method for environmental risk reduction during transport of bitumen,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in a shipping container at
an origin, bringing
the shipping container with the load to a destination, the load including 100
pellets having a
probability, per pellet of failing an impact-resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when the
dropping height is of 50 meters.
366. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 367, the method
including
unloading the pellets from the shipping container at the destination.
367. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 368, the method
including loading
the pellets into the shipping container at the origin using automated loading
equipment.
368. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 369, wherein the
shipping container
is a railcar.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
369. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 369, wherein the
shipping container
is a maritime vessel.
370. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 367, each pellet
including a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the mixture.
371. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
372. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
373. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
374. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
375. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
376. The method according to any one of embodiments 372 to 377, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
377. The method according to embodiment 378, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
378. The method according to embodiment 378, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
379. The method according to embodiment 378, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
51
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
380. The method according to embodiment 378, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
381. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 367, each pellet
including an
external shell.
382. The method according to embodiment 383, each pellet having a core and the
shell
surrounding the core.
383. The method according to embodiment 384, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
384. The method according to embodiment 384, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
385. The method according to embodiment 384, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
386. The method according to embodiment 387, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
387. The method according to embodiment 384, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
388. The method according to embodiment 389, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
389. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
390. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
391. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
52
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
392. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
393. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
394. The method according to any one of embodiments 389 to 395, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
395. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
396. The method according to embodiment 397, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
397. The method according to embodiment 397, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
398. The method according to embodiment 399, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
399. The method according to embodiment 397, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
400. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
401. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 1 meter.
402. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
53
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 5 meters.
403. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 10 meters.
404. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 20 meters.
405. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 30 meters.
406. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 40 meters.
407. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating a shipping container during
transport of
bitumen by transfer of bitumen material to walls of the shipping container,
the method
comprising placing a load of solid bitumen pellets in the shipping container,
the load including
100 bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet of failing a crush-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 50 meters.
54
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
408. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 409, the method
including
unloading the pellets from the shipping container at the destination.
409. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 410, the method
including loading
the pellets into the shipping container at the origin using automated loading
equipment.
410. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 411, wherein the
shipping container
is a railcar.
411. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 411, wherein the
shipping container
is a maritime vessel.
412. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 409, each pellet
including a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the mixture.
413. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
414. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
415. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
416. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
417. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
418. The method according to any one of embodiments 414 to 419, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
419. The method according to embodiment 420, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
420. The method according to embodiment 420, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA),
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
421. The method according to embodiment 420, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
422. The method according to embodiment 420, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
423. The method according to embodiment 423, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 8 wt.% to about 10 wt.%.
424. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 409, each pellet
including an
external shell.
425. The method according to embodiment 426, each pellet having a core and the
shell
surrounding the core.
426. The method according to embodiment 427, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
427. The method according to embodiment 427, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
428. The method according to embodiment 427, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
429. The method according to embodiment 430, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
430. The method according to embodiment 427, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
431. The method according to embodiment 432, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
56
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
432. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
433. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
434. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
435. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
436. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness
of less than
about 5 mm.
437. The method according to any one of embodiments 432 to 438, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
438. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
439. The method according to embodiment 440, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
440. The method according to embodiment 440, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
441. The method according to embodiment 442, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
442. The method according to embodiment 440, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
443. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
57
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
444. The method according to embodiment 426, wherein the shell is in the form
of a flexible film.
445. A method of making a solid bitumen pellet, the method including mixing
bitumen with an
additive operating to provide a mixture which has a viscosity higher
comparatively to a
viscosity of the bitumen before inclusion of the additive.
446. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
447. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
448. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
449. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
450. The method according to any one of embodiments 447 to 451, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
451. The method according to embodiment 452, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
452. The method according to embodiment 452, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
453. The method according to embodiment 452, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
454. The method according to embodiment 455, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
58
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
455. The method according to embodiment 452, the method including heating the
bitumen and the
polymer such that the polymer liquefies, and mixing when the polymer is in
liquid state.
456. The method according to embodiment 457, wherein said heating is performed
to a
temperature in the range of from about 50 C and about 150 C.
457. The method according to embodiment 457, the method including extruding
the mixture.
458. The method according to embodiment 457, the method including molding the
mixture.
459. The method according to embodiment 457, the method including forming a
shell around a
core made of the mixture.
460. The method according to embodiment 461, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is a first
hydrocarbonaceous polymer, the method including co-extruding the mixture with
a material
including a second hydrocarbonaceous polymer to form the shell.
461. The method according to embodiment 461, the method including spraying the
mixture with a
material which upon solidification forms the shell.
462. The method according to embodiment 461, the method including enclosing
the mixture into a
container forming the shell.
463. The method according to embodiment 464, the method including extruding
the container and
filling the container with the mixture.
464. The method according to embodiment 465, the method including sealing the
container that is
filled with the mixture.
465. The method according to embodiment 466, the method being a blow-fill-seal
process.
466. The method according to embodiment 464, the method including providing
material in sheet
form and forming the container from the material in sheet form around the
core.
467. The method according to embodiment 468, the method including forming a
tube from the
sheet material and depositing the core into the tube.
59
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
468. The method according to embodiment 469, the method including sealing
longitudinal edges of
the sheet material to form a crimp seal extending longitudinally on the tube.
469. The method according to embodiment 469, the method including making
spaced apart crimp
seals to close the tube.
470. The method according to embodiment 471, the method being a fill-form-seal
process.
471. The method according to embodiment 468, the method including providing
opposing sheets
and sealing the opposing sheets to each other to enclose the core between the
sheets.
472. The method according to any one of embodiments 447, wherein the pellet
includes an
external shell.
473. The method according to embodiment 474, wherein the pellet has a core and
the shell
surrounds the core.
474. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
475. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
476. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the pellet includes an
internal pressure
which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to
maintain the
internal pressure of the pellet.
477. The method according to embodiment 478, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
478. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell includes an
outwardly extending
flash.
479. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
480. The method according to embodiment 481, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
481. The method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
482. The method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
483. The method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
484. The method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
485. The method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
486. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
487. The method according to embodiment 488, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
488. The method according to embodiment 488, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
489. The method according to embodiment 490, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
490. The method according to embodiment 488, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
491. The method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals, in opposing relationship.
492. An apparatus for making a solid bitumen pellet, comprising an inlet for
receiving bitumen and
a shell forming station for forming a shell around a bituminous core made from
bitumen
introduced at the inlet.
61
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
493. The apparatus according to embodiment 494, comprising a mixer for mixing
bitumen and an
additive operating as a thickening agent to produce a bituminous mixture.
494. The apparatus according to embodiment 495, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
495. The apparatus according to embodiment 495, wherein the mixer is in
communication with the
shell forming station to supply the mixture under pressure to the shell
forming station.
496. The apparatus according to embodiment 497, wherein the mixer including a
heater to heat the
bitumen and the additive.
497. The apparatus according to embodiment 498, wherein the mixer including a
feed screw.
498. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 497 to 499, wherein the
apparatus
includes an extruder to extrude the mixture through an extrusion die.
499. The apparatus according to embodiment 500, wherein the shell forming
station is part of the
extruder to co-extrude the shell on the core.
500. The apparatus according to embodiment 498, wherein the additive includes
a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
501. The apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer
includes a polyethylene.
502. The apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate
(PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (IJ.DPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), or any
combinations thereof.
503. The apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
504. The apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
62
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
505. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 502 to 506, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
506. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 502 to 506, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer has a melting point temperature within the range of
from about
50 C to about 150 C.
507. The apparatus according to embodiment 507 or 508, wherein the heater
maintains the
temperature of the mixer in range of the melting point temperature.
508. The apparatus according to embodiment 495, wherein the shell forming
station includes a
device for forming the shell from a hydrocarbonaceous polymer and filling the
shell with the
bituminous mixture.
509. The apparatus according to embodiment 510, wherein the shell forming
station includes an
extruder for extruding the shell.
510. The apparatus according to embodiment 511, wherein the shell forming
station includes a
device for sealing the shell once the shell is filled.
511. The apparatus according to embodiment 512, wherein the apparatus is a
blow-fill-seal
apparatus.
512. The apparatus according to embodiment 510, wherein the shell forming
station includes a
device for forming the shell from polymer film and filling the shell with the
bituminous
mixture.
513. The apparatus according to embodiment 514, wherein the shell forming
station includes a
device for forming the film into a tube.
514. The apparatus according to embodiment 515, wherein the shell forming
station includes a
device for forming a longitudinal crimp seal.
515. The apparatus according to embodiment 516, wherein the shell forming
station includes a
device for forming a transverse crimp seal on the tube.
63
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
516. The apparatus according to embodiment 517, wherein the apparatus is a
form-fill-seal
apparatus.
517. Bitumen material retrieved from a solid bitumen pellet, the bitumen
material being suitable for
processing in an oil refinery to separate the bitumen material into
constituents that can be
used as fuels, lubricants and feedstocks in petrochemical processes, the
bitumen material
including a content of hydrocarbonaceous polymer, wherein the content of the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer does not exceed about 0.5 wt.% relative to bitumen.
518. The bitumen material according to embodiment 519, wherein the content of
said
hydrocarbonaceous polymer does not exceed about 0.3 wt.% relative to bitumen.
519. The bitumen material according to embodiment 519, wherein the content of
said
hydrocarbonaceous polymer does not exceed about 0.1 wt.% relative to bitumen.
520. The bitumen material according to any one of embodiments 519 to 521,
wherein the bitumen
material is an emulsion including droplets of said hydrocarbonaceous polymer
dispersed
throughout the bitumen.
521. The bitumen material according to embodiment 522, wherein the majority of
the droplets
have a diameter size in the range of between 10 p.m and 50
522. The bitumen material according to embodiment 522, wherein the majority of
the droplets
have a diameter size of less than 10 p.m.
523. A method for reducing the risk of fire when transporting bitumen,
comprising transporting an
emulsion of bitumen and additive operating to provide the emulsion with a
flash point that is
higher than compared to the flash point of bitumen without the additive.
524. The method according to embodiment 525, wherein the additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
525. The method according to embodiment 526, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a
melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
64
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
526. The method according to embodiment 526, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a
melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to about 150 C.
527. The method according to embodiment 526, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
528. The method according to embodiment 526, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
529. The method according to any one of embodiments 526 to 530, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1
wt.% to about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
530. The method according to any one of embodiments 526 to 530, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10
wt.% relative to
bitumen.
531. The method according to any one of embodiments 525 to 532, wherein the
emulsion of
bitumen is in the form of a bitumen pellet including an external shell.
532. The method according to embodiment 533, wherein the pellet has a core and
the shell
surrounds the core.
533. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer.
534. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer which includes a polyethylene.
535. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer which includes a cross-linked polyethylene.
536. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer which includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene-
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
537. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to about 20 wt.%
relative to
bitumen.
538. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%
relative to
bitumen.
539. The method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 540, wherein the
shell includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer being different from the additive.
540. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
541. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein shell partially surrounds
the core.
542. The method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the
shell has a
thickness within the range of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
543. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 4 mm.
544. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
545. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
546. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
547. The method according to any one of embodiments 544 to 548, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
66
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
548. The method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the
shell is harder
than the core.
549. The method according to embodiment 550, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
550. The method according to embodiment 551, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
551. The method according to embodiment 551, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
552. The method according to embodiment 553, wherein the crimp seal is sealed
at opposing
extremities portions thereof.
553. The method according to embodiment 551, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
554. The method according to embodiment 550, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
555. The method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the
shell is in the form
of a film.
556. The method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the
pellet includes an
internal pressure which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is
hermetically sealed to
maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.
557. The method according to embodiment 558, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
558. The method according to any one of embodiments 544 to 557, the shell
having a shape
selected from generally spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally
cylindrical, generally
discoidal, generally tabular, generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky,
generally acicular, generally
ovoidal, generally pillow shaped and any combinations thereof.
67
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
559. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than a quarter inch.
560. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than half an inch.
561. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than an inch.
562. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than 2 inches.
563. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than 3 inches.
564. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than 4 inches.
565. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than 5 inches.
566. The method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than 12 inches.
567. A method for retrieving bitumen from a solid bitumen pellet, the pellet
including bitumen and
material contributing to maintain the pellet in solid form, the method
comprising separating
the material at least partially from the bitumen.
568. The method according to embodiment 569, wherein the material includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
569. The method according to embodiment 570, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
admixed with bitumen.
570. The method according to embodiment 571, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer forms
an emulsion.
68
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
571. The method according to embodiment 571 or 572, wherein the pellet
includes a mixture of
bitumen and the hydrocarbonaceous polymer, where the hydrocarbonaceous polymer
operates
to increase the viscosity of the mixture.
572. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
573. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
574. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
575. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
576. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein a solubility of the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
577. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein a solubility of the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
578. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein a solubility of the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
579. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein a solubility of the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
580. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein a solubility of the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
581. The method according to embodiment 570, wherein the pellet includes an
external shell.
69
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
582. The method according to embodiment 583, wherein the pellet has a core and
the shell
surrounds the core.
583. The method according to embodiment 584, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
584. The method according to embodiment 584, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
585. The method according to embodiment 584, wherein the pellet includes an
internal pressure
which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to
maintain the
internal pressure of the pellet.
586. The method according to embodiment 587, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
587. The method according to embodiment 584, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
588. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
589. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
590. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
591. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
592. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
593. The method according to embodiment 589, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
594. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than a
quarter inch.
595. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than
half an inch.
596. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than an
inch.
597. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 2
inches.
598. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 3
inches.
599. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 4
inches.
600. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 5
inches.
601. The method according to embodiment 589, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 12
inches.
602. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell includes an
outwardly extending
flash.
603. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
604. The method according to embodiment 605, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
605. The method according to embodiment 605, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
606. The method according to embodiment 607, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
71
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
607. The method according to embodiment 605, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
608. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
609. The method according to any one of embodiments 569 to 610, including
heating the pellet to
convert the pellet into liquid.
610. The method according to embodiment 611, including removing the material
at least partially
from said liquid.
611. The method according to embodiment 612, including removing the material
by gravity
separation.
612. The method according to embodiment 584, including processing the pellet
to separate the
shell from the core material.
613. The method according to embodiment 614, said processing including heating
the pellet.
614. The method according to embodiment 615, said processing further including
mechanically
separating the shell from the core material.
615. A method for retrieving bitumen from a solid bitumen pellet, the pellet
including a bituminous
core and a shell protecting the core, the method including processing the
pellet to retrieve
bitumen from the pellet in a condition such that the bitumen is suitable for
processing in an
oil refinery to separate the bitumen material into constituents that can be
used as fuels,
lubricants and feedstocks in petrochemical processes, the processing of the
pellet including a
step of separating the shell from the bituminous core.
616. The method according to embodiment 617, the core including a mixture of
bitumen and
additive operating as a thickening agent.
617. The method according to embodiment 618, wherein the additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
72
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
618. The method according to embodiment 619, wherein the pellet includes a
mixture of bitumen
and the hydrocarbonaceous polymer, where the hydrocarbonaceous polymer
operates to
increase the viscosity of the mixture.
619. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
620. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
621. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
622. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
623. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
624. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
625. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
626. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
627. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
628. The method according to embodiment 617, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
629. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
73
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
630. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
631. The method according to embodiment 632, wherein the pellet includes an
internal pressure
which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to
maintain the
internal pressure of the pellet.
632. The method according to embodiment 633, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
633. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
634. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
635. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
636. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
637. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
638. The method according to embodiment 630, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
639. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than a
quarter inch.
640. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than
half an inch.
74
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
641. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than an
inch.
642. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 2
inches.
643. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 3
inches.
644. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 4
inches.
645. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 5
inches.
646. The method according to embodiment 630, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 12
inches.
647. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell includes an
outwardly extending
flash.
648. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
649. The method according to embodiment 650, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
650. The method according to embodiment 650, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
651. The method according to embodiment 652, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
652. The method according to embodiment 650, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
653. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
654. The method according to any one of embodiments 617 to 655, including
heating the pellet to
convert same into a liquid.
655. The method according to embodiment 656, including removing the material
at least partially
from said liquid.
656. The method according to embodiment 657, including removing the material
by gravity
separation.
657. A method for facilitating retrieval of spilled solid bitumen pellets
during transport by rail over
rail tracks, comprising providing the pellets with a color signal configured
to make the pellets
visually distinguishable from an environment of the rail track.
658. The method according to embodiment 659, wherein the environment includes
a body of
water, the method including providing the pellets with a color signal that is
visually contrasting
with the body of water when the pellets float on the body of water.
659. The method according to embodiment 660, wherein each pellet includes a
bituminous core
and shell protecting the core.
660. The method according to embodiment 661, the method including applying the
color signal to
the shell.
661. The method according to embodiment 662, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
662. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
663. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
664. The method according to embodiment 665, wherein the pellet includes an
internal pressure
which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to
maintain the
internal pressure of the pellet.
665. The method according to embodiment 666, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
76
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
666. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
667. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
668. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
669. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
670. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
671. The method according to embodiment 663, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
672. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than a
quarter inch.
673. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than
half an inch.
674. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than an
inch.
675. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 2
inches.
676. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 3
inches.
77
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
677. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 4
inches.
678. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 5
inches.
679. The method according to embodiment 663, the pellet having a maximal
extent of less than 12
inches.
680. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell includes an
outwardly extending
flash.
681. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
682. The method according to embodiment 683, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
683. The method according to embodiment 683, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
684. The method according to embodiment 685, wherein the crimp seal formally
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
685. The method according to embodiment 683, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
686. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are positioned in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
687. The method as defined in any one of embodiments 287 to 317 wherein the
pellets in the pile
are substantially identical to each other.
688. The method as defined in any one of embodiments 318 to 360 wherein the
pellets in the load
are substantially identical to each other.
689. The method as defined in any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the
pellets in the load
are substantially identical.
78
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
690. The method as defined in anyone of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the
pellets in the load
are substantially identical.
691. The method as defined in anyone of embodiments 251 to 286 wherein the
pellets in the pile
are substantially identical to each other.
692. A solid bitumen pellet comprising a bituminous core and a shell enclosing
the core, the pellet
being responsive to a compression applied externally on the shell and of
sufficient magnitude
to deform the pellet to develop an internal gaseous pressure increase which
operates to
counterbalance, at least partially the compression, wherein the internal
gaseous pressure
increases with an increase of the compression applied externally on the shell.
693. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the core includes
a mixture of
bitumen and an additive, where the additive operates to increase the viscosity
of the mixture.
694. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 695, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
695. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 695, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
696. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 695, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
697. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 695, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%
698. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 695, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
699. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 695 to 700,
wherein the additive
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
700. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
79
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
701. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to about
150 C.
702. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes a polyethylene.
703. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate
(PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (I J DPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), or any
combinations thereof.
704. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
705. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
706. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
707. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a polyethylene.
708. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a cross-linked polyethylene.
709. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polypropylene
(PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene
(LLDPE), low-
density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
710. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
711. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 5
wt.% relative to bitumen.
712. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 695 to 713,
wherein the shell
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer which is different from the additive.
713. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell fully
surrounds the core.
714. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell
partially surrounds the
core.
715. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 694, wherein the shell is
substantially free of
bitumen.
716. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 717,
wherein the shell has a
thickness less than about 5 mm.
717. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
718. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
719. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
720. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
721. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 718 to 722,
wherein the shell
includes an outwardly extending flash.
722. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 723,
wherein the shell is
harder than the core.
723. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 724, wherein the shell
includes a crimp seal.
81
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
724. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 725, wherein the crimp seal
extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
725. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 725, wherein the crimp seal
extends along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
726. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 727, wherein the crimp seal is
formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
727. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 725, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free
of bitumen.
728. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 724, wherein the shell
includes first and second
crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
729. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 717,
wherein the shell is in
the form of a film.
730. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731, the
shell having a shape
selected from generally spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally
cylindrical, generally
discoidal, generally tabular, generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky,
generally acicular, generally
ovoidal, generally pillow shaped and any combinations thereof.
731. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than a quarter inch.
732. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than half an inch.
733. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than an inch.
734. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 2 inches.
82
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
735. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 3 inches.
736. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 4 inches.
737. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 5 inches.
738. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 731,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 12 inches.
739. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 0.5 psi.
740. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 1 psi.
741. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 2 psi.
742. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 3 psi.
743. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 5 psi.
744. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 7 psi.
745. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having
a burst pressure
of at least 10 psi.
746. A solid bitumen pellet comprising a bituminous core and a shell enclosing
the core, the shell
being configured to reduce the exposure of the bituminous core to ambient
oxygen.
83
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
747. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the core includes
a mixture of
bitumen and an additive, where the additive operates to increase the viscosity
of the mixture.
748. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 749, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
749. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 749, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
750. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 749, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
751. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 749, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%
752. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 749, wherein solubility of the
additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
753. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 749 to 754,
wherein the additive
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
754. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 755, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
has a melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
755. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 755, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
has a melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to about
150 C.
756. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 755, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes a polyethylene.
757. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 755, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate
(PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene (IJ.DPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), or any
combinations thereof.
84
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
758. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 755, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
759. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 755, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
760. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
761. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a polyethylene.
762. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes a cross-linked polyethylene.
763. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer which includes high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polypropylene
(PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) linear low-density polyethylene
(LLDPE), low-
density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
764. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 20
wt.% relative to bitumen.
765. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount within the range of from about 0.01 to
about 5
wt.% relative to bitumen.
766. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 749 to 767,
wherein the shell
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer which is different from the additive.
767. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell fully
surrounds the core.
768. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell
partially surrounds the
core.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
769. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 748, wherein the shell is
substantially free of
bitumen.
770. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 771,
wherein the shell has a
thickness less than about 5 mm.
771. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
772. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
773. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
774. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
775. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 772 to 776,
wherein the shell
includes an outwardly extending flash.
776. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 771,
wherein the shell is
harder than the core.
777. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 778, wherein the shell
includes a crimp seal.
778. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 779, wherein the crimp seal
extends
transversally to a longitudinal axis of the pellet.
779. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 779, wherein the crimp seal
extends along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
780. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 781, wherein the crimp seal is
formed by
thermally sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
781. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 779, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free
of bitumen.
86
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
782. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 778, wherein the shell
includes first and second
crimp seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
783. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 778,
wherein the shell is in
the form of a film.
784. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 785, the
shell having a shape
selected from generally spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally
cylindrical, generally
discoidal, generally tabular, generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky,
generally acicular, generally
ovoidal, generally pillow shaped and any combinations thereof.
785. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than a quarter inch.
786. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than half an inch.
787. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than an inch.
788. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 2 inches.
789. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 3 inches.
790. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 4 inches.
791. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 5 inches.
792. The bitumen pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 786,
wherein the pellet has a
maximal extent of less than 12 inches.
87
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
793. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1%.
794. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1%.
795. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1%.
796. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein solubility
of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
797. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein solubility
of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
798. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein solubility
of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
799. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein solubility
of the additive into
bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
800. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
801. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
802. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
803. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein
solubility of the additive
into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
804. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
88
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
805. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
806. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
807. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
808. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
809. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 1 meter.
810. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 5 meters.
811. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 10 meters.
812. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
89
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 20 meters.
813. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 30 meters.
814. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 40 meters.
815. A method for reducing a risk of contaminating automated unloading
equipment during
unloading of bitumen from a shipping container as a result of bitumen material
sticking to the
unloading equipment, the method comprising unloading a load of solid bitumen
pellets with
the unloading equipment from the shipping container, the load including at
least 100 bitumen
pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-resistance test
that does not exceed
0.25 when the height of the pellet load is of 50 meters.
816. The method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 817, wherein said
shipping
container is a maritime vessel.
817. The method according to embodiment 818, wherein said shipping maritime
vessel is a bulk
freighter.
818. The method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 819, wherein said
unloading
equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, a clamshell scoop or mechanical
bucket.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
819. The method according to embodiment 820, wherein said shipping container
includes a cargo
hatch, and wherein said unloading equipment is maneuvered through the cargo
hatch of the
shipping container such as to pick up the load of pellets.
820. The method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 819, wherein said
unloading
equipment includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic transfer system or a gravity
loading system.
821. The method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 822, each pellet
including a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the mixture.
822. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
823. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
824. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
825. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
826. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
827. The method according to any one of embodiments 823 to 828, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
828. The method according to embodiment 829, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
829. The method according to embodiment 829, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA),
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
91
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
830. The method according to any of embodiments 829 to 831, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
831. The method according to any of embodiments 829 to 831, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
832. The method according to any one of embodiments 823 to 833, each pellet
including an
external shell.
833. The method according to embodiment 834, each pellet having a core and the
shell
surrounding the core.
834. The method according to embodiment 835, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
835. The method according to embodiment 835, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
836. The method according to embodiment 835, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
837. The method according to embodiment 838, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
838. The method according to embodiment 839, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
839. The method according to embodiment 840, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
840. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
841. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
92
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
842. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
843. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
844. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
845. The method according to any one of embodiments 840 to 846, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
846. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
847. The method according to embodiment 848, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
848. The method according to embodiment 848, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
849. The method according to embodiment 850, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
850. The method according to embodiment 848, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
851. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
852. The method according to embodiment 834, wherein the shell is in the form
of a flexible film.
853. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 1 meter.
93
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
854. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 5 meters.
855. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 10 meters.
856. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 20 meters.
857. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 30 meters.
858. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 40 meters.
859. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
94
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing an impact-
resistance test that does
not exceed 0.25, when the dropping height is of 50 meters.
860. The method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 861, wherein said
shipping
container is a maritime vessel.
861. The method according to embodiment 862, wherein said shipping maritime
vessel is a bulk
freighter.
862. The method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 863, wherein said
unloading
equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, a clamshell scoop or mechanical
bucket.
863. The method according to embodiment 864, wherein said shipping container
includes a cargo
hatch, and wherein said unloading equipment is maneuvered through the cargo
hatch of the
shipping container such as to pick up the load of pellets.
864. The method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 863, wherein said
unloading
equipment includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic transfer system, or a gravity
loading system.
865. The method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 866, each pellet
including a mixture
of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the mixture.
866. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
867. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
868. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
869. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
870. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
871. The method according to any one of embodiments 867 to 872, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
872. The method according to embodiment 873, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
873. The method according to embodiment 873, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA),
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
874. The method according to any of embodiments 873 to 875, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
875. The method according to any of embodiments 873 to 875, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
876. The method according to any one of embodiments 867 to 877, each pellet
including an
external shell.
877. The method according to embodiment 878, each pellet having a core and the
shell
surrounding the core.
878. The method according to embodiment 879, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
879. The method according to embodiment 879, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
880. The method according to embodiment 879, each pellet including an internal
pressure which is
above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain
the internal
pressure of the pellet.
881. The method according to embodiment 882, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
882. The method according to embodiment 878, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
96
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
883. The method according to embodiment 884, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
884. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
885. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
886. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
887. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
888. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
889. The method according to any one of embodiments 884 to 890, wherein the
shell includes an
outwardly extending flash.
890. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
891. The method according to embodiment 892, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
892. The method according to embodiment 892, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
893. The method according to embodiment 894, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
894. The method according to embodiment 892, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
97
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
895. The method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
896. The method according to embodiment 878, wherein the shell is in the form
of a flexible film.
897. An additive material retrieved from a solid bitumen pellet, the additive
material comprising a
component operative to increase the viscosity of bitumen when the component is
admixed
with the bitumen, and the additive material further comprising bitumen
material.
898. The additive material according to embodiment 899, comprising bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding about 70 wt. % of the additive material.
899. The additive material according to embodiment 899, comprising bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding about 60 wt. % of the additive material.
900. The additive material according to embodiment 899, comprising bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding about 40 wt. % of the additive material.
901. The additive material according to embodiment 899, comprising bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding about 30 wt. % of the additive material.
902. The additive material according to any one of embodiments 899 to 903,
wherein the
component includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
903. The additive material according to embodiment 904, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes a polyethylene.
904. The additive material according to embodiment 904, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate
(PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), or any
combinations thereof.
905. The additive material according to any one of embodiments 899 to 906,
being in the form of
beads or pellets.
98
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
906. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core, the pellet having a burst pressure of 0.5 psi
or more.
907. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core and having a burst pressure of 5 psi or more.
908. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core and having a burst pressure of 10 psi or more.
909. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core and having a burst pressure of 30 psi or more.
910. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core and having a burst pressure of 40 psi or more.
911. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core and having a burst pressure of 50 psi or more.
912. A solid bitumen pellet comprising an external shell and an internal
bituminous core, the shell
operating to protect the core and having a burst pressure of 75 psi or more.
913. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 914, wherein the
shell is harder than
the core.
914. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell includes an
outwardly extending
flash.
915. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has an outer
surface including
irregularities to reduce slipperiness of the pellet.
916. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
917. The pellet according to embodiment 918, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
918. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
99
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
919. The pellet according to embodiment 918, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a longitudinal
axis of the pellet.
920. The pellet according to embodiment 921, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
921. The pellet according to embodiment 918, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
922. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the core includes a
mixture of bitumen and
an additive operating to increase viscosity of the bitumen.
923. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at a
temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
924. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
925. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
926. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
927. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer.
928. The pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a
melting point temperature of at least 50 C.
929. The pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer has a
melting point temperature within the range of from about 50 C to about 150 C.
930. The pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes a
polyethylene.
100
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
931. The pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA),
linear low-density polyethylene (TT DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
932. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 929 to 933, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to
about 20 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
933. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 929 to 933, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in the core in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
934. The pellet according to embodiment 915, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
935. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
936. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range of
from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
937. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range of
from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
938. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range of
from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
939. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range of
from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
940. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a
maximal extent of less
than a quarter inch.
101
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
941. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a
maximal extent of less
than half an inch.
942. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than an inch.
943. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, each pellet
having a maximal
extent of less than 2 inches.
944. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a
maximal extent of less
than 3 inches.
945. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a
maximal extent of less
than 4 inches.
946. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a
maximal extent of less
than 5 inches.
947. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a
maximal extent of less
than 12 inches.
948. A method of making a solid bitumen pellet, the method comprising mixing
bitumen with an
additive material, the additive material including a component operative to
increase the
viscosity of bitumen when the component is admixed with the bitumen, and the
additive
material further including bitumen material.
949. The method according to embodiment 950, said additive including bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding 70 wt.% of additive material.
950. The method according to embodiment 950, said additive including bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding 60 wt.% of additive material.
951. The method according to embodiment 950, said additive including bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding 40 wt.% of additive material.
102
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
952. The method according to embodiment 950, said additive including bitumen
material in an
amount not exceeding 30 wt.% of additive material.
953. The method according to any one of embodiments 950 to 954, wherein a
solubility of the
additive into bitumen at a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
954. The method according to embodiment 955, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
955. The method according to embodiment 955, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
956. The method according to embodiment 955, wherein a solubility of the
additive into bitumen
at a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
957. The method according to any one of embodiments 950 to 958, wherein the
additive includes a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
958. The method according to embodiment 959, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
a polyethylene.
959. The method according to embodiment 959, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer includes
high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl
acetate (PEVA)
linear low-density polyethylene (IT.DPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or
any
combinations thereof.
960. The method according to embodiment 959, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% relative
to bitumen.
961. The method according to embodiment 962, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is
present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to bitumen.
962. The method according to embodiment 959, the method including heating the
bitumen and the
polymer such that the polymer liquefies, and mixing when the polymer is in
liquid state.
103
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
963. The method according to embodiment 964, wherein said heating is performed
to a
temperature in the range of from about 50 C and about 150 C.
964. The method according to embodiment 964, the method including extruding
the mixture.
965. The method according to embodiment 964, the method including molding the
mixture.
966. The method according to embodiment 964, the method including forming a
shell around a
core made of the mixture.
967. The method according to embodiment 968, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is a first
hydrocarbonaceous polymer, the method including co-extruding the mixture with
a material
including a second hydrocarbonaceous polymer to form the shell.
968. The method according to embodiment 968, the method including spraying the
mixture with a
material which upon solidification forms the shell.
969. The method according to embodiment 968, the method including enclosing
the mixture into a
container forming the shell.
970. The method according to embodiment 971, the method including extruding
the container and
filling the container with the mixture.
971. The method according to embodiment 972, the method including sealing the
container that is
filled with the mixture.
972. The method according to embodiment 973, the method being a blow-fill-seal
process.
973. The method according to embodiment 971, the method including providing
material in sheet
form and forming the container from the material in sheet form around the
core.
974. The method according to embodiment 975, the method including forming a
tube from the
sheet material and depositing the core into the tube.
975. The method according to embodiment 976, the method including sealing
longitudinal edges of
the sheet material to form a crimp seal extending longitudinally on the tube.
104
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
976. The method according to embodiment 976, the method including making
spaced apart crimp
seals to close the tube.
977. The method according to embodiment 978, the method being a fill-form-seal
process.
978. The method according to embodiment 975, the method including providing
opposing sheets
and sealing the opposing sheets to each other to enclose the core between the
sheets.
979. The method according to any one of embodiments 950, wherein the pellet
includes an
external shell.
980. The method according to embodiment 981, wherein the pellet has a core and
the shell
surrounds the core.
981. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell fully surrounds
the core.
982. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
983. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the pellet includes an
internal pressure
which is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to
maintain the
internal pressure of the pellet.
984. The method according to embodiment 985, wherein the internal pressure is
above ambient
pressure by an amount up to about 15 psi.
985. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell includes an
outwardly extending
flash.
986. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell is harder than
the core.
987. The method according to embodiment 988, the shell having a shape selected
from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
988. The method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness
less than about 5
mm.
105
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
989. The method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
990. The method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
991. The method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
992. The method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness
within the range
of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
993. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
994. The method according to embodiment 995, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
995. The method according to embodiment 995, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
996. The method according to embodiment 997, wherein the crimp seal is formed
by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
997. The method according to embodiment 995, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
998. The method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell includes first
and second crimp
seals, in opposing relationship.
999. The method according to embodiment 973, the method including enclosing
the container in a
second container.
1000. The method according to embodiment 1001, the method including sealing
the second
container forming nested containers.
1001. The method according to embodiment 465, the method including enclosing
the container in a
second container.
106
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1002. The method according to embodiment 1003, the method including sealing
the second
container forming nested containers.
1003. The method according to embodiment 612, wherein said bitumen includes
droplets of said
material, the method including inducing coalescence of said droplets and
removing the
material by gravity separation.
1004. The method according to embodiment 657, wherein said bitumen includes
droplets of said
material, the method including inducing coalescence of said droplets and
removing the
material by gravity separation.
1005. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 1 meter.
1006. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 5 meters.
1007. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 10 meters.
1008. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 20 meters.
107
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1009. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 30 meters.
1010. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 40 meters.
1011. A method for unloading of bitumen from a shipping container, the method
comprising
unloading a load of solid bitumen pellets with automated unloading equipment
from the
shipping container and accumulating the pellets on a heap, the load including
at least 100
bitumen pellets having a probability, per pellet, of failing a crush-
resistance test that does not
exceed 0.25, when subjected to a load of pellets having a height of 50 meters.
1012. The method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1013, wherein
said shipping
container is a maritime vessel.
1013. The method according to embodiment 1014, wherein said shipping maritime
vessel is a bulk
freighter.
1014. The method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1015, wherein
said unloading
equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, a clamshell scoop or mechanical
bucket.
1015. The method according to embodiment 1016, wherein said shipping container
includes a cargo
hatch, and wherein said unloading equipment is maneuvered through the cargo
hatch of the
shipping container such as to pick up the load of pellets.
1016. The method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1015, wherein
said unloading
equipment includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic transfer system, or a gravity
loading system.
108
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1017. The method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1018, each pellet
including a
mixture of bitumen and an additive operating to increase viscosity of the
mixture.
1018. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 5 wt.%.
1019. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 1 wt.%.
1020. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.5 wt.%.
1021. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.1 wt.%.
1022. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein solubility of the
additive into bitumen at
a temperature of 150 C is less than 0.05 wt.%.
1023. The method according to any one of embodiments 1019 to 1024, wherein the
additive
includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer.
1024. The method according to embodiment 1025, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer
includes a polyethylene.
1025. The method according to embodiment 1025, wherein the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer
includes high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-
vinyl acetate
(PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), or any
combinations thereof.
1026. The method according to any of embodiments 1025 to 1027, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of from about 1 to about 20 wt.%
relative to bitumen.
1027. The method according to any of embodiments 1025 to 1027, wherein the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer is present in a relative quantity of at least 10 wt.% relative to
bitumen.
109
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1028. The method according to any one of embodiments 1019 to 1029, each pellet
including an
external shell.
1029. The method according to embodiment 1030, each pellet having a core and
the shell
surrounding the core.
1030. The method according to embodiment 1031, wherein the shell fully
surrounds the core.
1031. The method according to embodiment 1031, wherein the shell partially
surrounds the core.
1032. The method according to embodiment 1031, each pellet including an
internal pressure which
is above ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to
maintain the internal
pressure of the pellet.
1033. The method according to embodiment 1034, wherein the internal pressure
is above ambient
pressure by an amount up to 15 psi.
1034. The method according to embodiment 1030, wherein the shell is harder
than the core.
1035. The method according to embodiment 1036, the shell having a shape
selected from generally
spherical, generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal,
generally tabular,
generally ellipsoidal, generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal,
generally pillow
shaped and any combinations thereof.
1036. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a
thickness less than about
mm.
1037. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 10 im to about 4.5 mm.
1038. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 3 mm.
1039. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 2 mm.
110
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1040. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a
thickness within the
range of from about 20 im to about 1 mm.
1041. The method according to any one of embodiments 1036 to 1042, wherein the
shell includes
an outwardly extending flash.
1042. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell includes a
crimp seal.
1043. The method according to embodiment 1044, wherein the crimp seal extends
transversally to a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
1044. The method according to embodiment 1044, wherein the crimp seal extends
along a
longitudinal axis of the pellet.
1045. The method according to embodiment 1046, wherein the crimp seal is
formed by thermally
sealing to each other opposing walls of the shell.
1046. The method according to embodiment 104/1, wherein the crimp seal is
substantially free of
bitumen.
1047. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell includes
first and second crimp
seals which are in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
1048. The method according to embodiment 1030, wherein the shell is in the
form of a flexible film.
1049. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 21, wherein the
pellet includes a nested
shell configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1050. The set of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 74, wherein the
pellet includes a nested
shell configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1051. The pile of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 121, each pellet
including a nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1052. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 163, wherein the pellet
includes a nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
111
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1053. The bitumen pellet according to embodiment 212, wherein the pellet
includes a nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1054. The method according to embodiment 267, wherein each pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1055. The method according to embodiment 298, wherein each pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1056. The method according to embodiment 341, wherein each pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1057. The method according to embodiment 383, wherein each pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1058. The method according to embodiment 426, wherein each pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1059. The method according to embodiment 474, wherein the pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1060. The method according to embodiment 533, wherein the pellet includes a
nested shell
configuration including an internal shell and the external shell.
1061. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53,
795 and 796,
wherein the probability of failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does
not exceed 0.20.
1062. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53,
795 and 796,
wherein the probability of failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does
not exceed 0.15.
1063. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53,
795 and 796,
wherein the probability of failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does
not exceed 0.10.
1064. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 103
and 797 to 801,
wherein the probability of failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does
not exceed 0.20.
112
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1065. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 103
and 797 to 801,
wherein the probability of failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does
not exceed 0.15.
1066. The set of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 103
and 797 to 801,
wherein the probability of failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does
not exceed 0.10.
1067. The method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
1068. The method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1069. The method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
1070. The method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317 and 806 to
809, wherein the
probability of failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed
0.20.
1071. The method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317 and 806 to
809, wherein the
probability of failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed
0.15.
1072. The method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317 and 806 to
809, wherein the
probability of failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed
0.10.
1073. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
1074. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1075. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
1076. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the
probability of
failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
113
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1077. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the
probability of
failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1078. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the
probability of
failing the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
1079. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
1080. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1081. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the
probability of
failing the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
1082. Method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 854, wherein the
probability of failing
the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
1083. Method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 854, wherein the
probability of failing
the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1084. Method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 854, wherein the
probability of failing
the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
1085. Method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 898, wherein the
probability of failing
the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
1086. Method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 898, wherein the
probability of failing
the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1087. Method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 898, wherein the
probability of failing
the impact-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
1088. Method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1050, wherein the
probability of failing
the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.20.
114
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1089. Method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1050, wherein the
probability of failing
the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.15.
1090. Method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1050, wherein the
probability of failing
the crush-resistance test per pellet does not exceed 0.10.
All features of embodiments, which are described in this disclosure, are not
mutually exclusive, and
could be combined with one another. Elements of one embodiment can be utilized
in the other
embodiments without further mention. Other aspects and features of the present
invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the
following description of
specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings show exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in
which:
Fig. 1 shows a generalized flow chart of a method for handling bitumen in
accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a variant of Fig. 1, which includes the additional step of applying
a shell on the pellets;
Fig. 3 is a specific embodiment of the method illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig.
2;
Fig. 4 is another specific embodiment of the method illustrated in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is yet another specific embodiment of the method illustrated in Fig. 1
and Fig. 2;
Fig. 6 is yet another specific embodiment of the method shown in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is yet another specific embodiment of the method shown in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2;
Fig. 8 is a specific example of operations that can be used to perform the
step of increasing the
viscosity of bitumen of the methods of Fig. 4 to Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a general method of handling and transporting
bitumen in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 10 is a specific example of implementation of the generalized method of
Fig. 9;
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Fig. 11 shows a general infrastructure for implementing the method of Fig. 10,
where the
transportation link is over land;
Fig. 12 is a variant of Fig. 11, where the transportation link is over water;
Fig. 13A is a variant of Fig. 11, where the transportation link is over land
and water;
Fig. 14A shows a cross-section of a bitumen pellet with a shell in accordance
with an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
Fig. 14B is a variant of Fig. 14A, where the shell is non-uniform in terms of
variable thickness;
Fig. 14C is a variant of Fig. 14A, which includes pores in the shell;
Fig. 14D is a variant of Fig. 14C, which includes an additional surface
coating to seal the pores open
at the surface.
Fig. 15 is a schematic view of an apparatus for performing the pelletizing
process step of Fig. 10;
Fig. 16 shows a variant of the apparatus illustrated at Figure 15;
Fig. 17 a schematic view of an apparatus for performing the pelletizing step
and also the step of
applying a shell of the method of Fig. 10;
Fig. 18 is a variant of the apparatus shown in Fig. 17, where the shell is
applied by spraying;
Fig. 19 is another variant of Fig. 17, where the shell is applied by
encapsulating the bitumen core
between polymeric films;
Fig. 20 is yet another variant of Fig. 15, where the shell is applied by
bagging the bitumen cores in
individual pouches of polymeric material;
Fig. 21 is a flow chart of a general method of storing bitumen pellets in
accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 22 is a flow chart of a general method of storing bitumen pellets in
accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
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Fig. 23 is a high-level flow chart of a method of recovering the bitumen from
bitumen pellets in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 24 is a flowchart that details the step in Fig. 23 of recovering the
bitumen from the pellets;
Fig. 25 is a flow chart of variant of the method in Fig. 24;
Fig. 26 is a schematic view of an apparatus for implementing the method of
Fig. 23;
Fig. 27 is a schematic view of an apparatus for implementing the method of
Fig. 24;
Fig. 28 is a schematic view of an apparatus for implementing the method of
Fig. 25;
Fig. 29 is a flowchart another specific embodiment of the method illustrated
at Fig. 9;
Fig. 30 shows an implementation of a process for loading /unloading bitumen
pellets using
conventional equipment for handling material in bulk, in accordance with an
embodiment of the
present disclosure;
Fig. 31 is a variant of Fig. 30;
Fig. 32 is another variant of Fig. 30;
Fig. 33 is yet another variant of Fig. 30;
Fig. 34 is yet another variant of Fig. 30;
Fig. 35 shows a railcar for transporting bitumen pellets including a
protective liner;
Fig. 36 shows a railcar for transporting solidified bitumen pellets with a
temperature monitoring
system;
Fig. 37 shows a railcar for transporting bitumen pellets with a cooling system
to cool the railcar;
Fig. 38 shows a microscopic image of the cross section of the bottom phase of
a 5% polymer in
bitumen mixture after 30 minutes of settling at 100 C;
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Fig. 39 shows a graph plotting the boiling point distribution of the original
bitumen and bitumen in
polymer phase ¨ corrected;
Figs. 40A and 40B show microscopic images of emulsified polymer droplets
(lighter color) in
bitumen (darker background) at a polymer content of 0.5 wt.% as prepared
sample (Fig. 40A), and
sample after passing through the rolled screen packing at 120 C (Fig. 40B);
Fig. 42 shows a graph plotting the boiling point distribution of the original
bitumen and polymer
phase (30 wt.% polymer) ¨ corrected;
Fig. 42A, Fig. 42B and Fig. 42C each show a schematic diagram of patterns for
layers of cylinders set
adjacent to one another to illustrate how shapes affect the fill volume of a
container;
Fig. 43 shows a flow chart of a general method of applying a shell by using a
blow-molding process,
where the blow molding is performed using liquid bitumen to expand a parison;
Fig. 44 shows a variant of the method of Fig. 43, where the blow molding is
performed using
pressurised gas to expand a parison;
Fig. 45 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a blow-molding system, where the
open mold receives a
parison from an extruder head;
Fig. 46 shows the blow-molding system of Fig. 45 closed, where the parison
bottom portion is
pinched between two mold halves;
Fig. 47 shows the blow-molding system of Fig. 46, where pressurised gas is
injected into the molten
parison such that the parison is expanded against the internal mold surface;
Fig. 48 shows the closed mold of Fig. 46, where liquid bitumen (or bitumen /
additive mixture) is
injected into the shaped parison;
Fig. 49A and Fig. 49B shows how the shell of Fig. 47 or Fig. 48 is closed to
prevent the bitumen
from leaking out;
Fig. 50 shows a cross section of a pellet with a shell as obtained with the
method of Fig. 43 or Fig.
44;
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Fig. 51 shows a variant of Fig. 50, where the pellet has an internal web
structure, which essentially
partitions the internal space in the shell in 2 or more compartments;
Fig. 52 a flow chart of a method for creating a shell by a form-fill-seal
process which uses a polymer
sheet like material unwound from a roll, instead of directly extruding the
polymer into the mold
cavity at each molding cycle;
Fig. 53 is a perspective view of a form-fill-seal system using a polymer sheet
to form the pellet shell;
Fig. 54 is a perspective view of the pellet with a shell as obtained with the
method of Fig. 52 and the
apparatus of Figure 53;
Fig. 55 is a schematic view of a system for making pellets using vacuum assist
rolls to mold
polymeric sheets in order to form the pellet shells;
Fig. 56 is a schematic view of a test setup for performing a crush-resistance
test;
Fig. 57is a schematic view of a variant of an apparatus for implementing the
method of Fig. 25;
Fig. 58A and Fig. 58B show a specific practical implementation of the general
infrastructure 1100c
of Fig. 13.
In the drawings, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be
expressly understood
that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating
certain embodiments and
are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the
limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be more particularly
described. The same
features are denoted in all figures by the same reference signs.
Reversibly solidifying bitumen
Fig. 1 is a flow chart of a general method 100 of handling bitumen in
accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 100 includes a step 10 of
providing viscid
bitumen. The viscid bitumen is then pelletized in a step 20, thus producing
solid bitumen pellets (or
"particles"). At step 90, the bitumen from the pellets is retrieved by
processing the pellets to revert
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them into a coherent mass of bitumen. In other words, the method 100 allows
the reversible
solidification of bitumen, which is illustrated by the arrow returning from
step 90 to step 10.
For the purpose of this specification, "bitumen" refers to crude oil that is
intended to be processed
in a downstream refinery where it is separated into high-value fractions. For
more clarity;
"bitumen" encompasses both heavy crude feedstock and also upgraded crude oil.
Without intent of
being bound by a particular definition of what "upgrading" means, that process
is generally
understood in the industry to involve processing of the heavy crude feedstock
to improve its
quality. Examples of steps that may be involved in an upgrading operation,
include:
a) Removal of water, sand, physical waste and lighter products;
b) Viscosity reduction to increase flowability, such as by dilution with one
or more lighter
petroleum products (Dilbit, Synbit);
c) Catalytic purification by hydrodemetallisadon (HDM), hydrodesulfufization
(HDS) and
hydrodenitrogenadon (HDN);
d) Hydrogenation through carbon rejection or catalytic hydrocracking (HCR)
e) Conversion of heavy portion of the bitumen into lighter hydrocarbons
through fractionation,
distillation and/or cracking;
f) Blending the different fractions to produce the desired synthetic crude oil
specification;
g) Processes performed for the purpose of transportation such as visbreaking,
solvent de-
asphalting (SDA), hydrotreadng, thermal cracking and olefin alkyladon.
A specific example of crude oil, which can be processed with the methods and
devices, disclosed
herein, is crude oil extracted from oil sands.
For the purpose of this specification the expression "viscid bitumen" refers
to bitumen, which has a
density generally in the range between 8 to 17 degrees API. As used herein,
API degrees refers to
the American Petroleum Institute gravity, or API gravity, which is understood
as being a measure of
how heavy or light a petroleum liquid is compared to water: if its API gravity
is greater than 10, it is
lighter and floats on water; if less than 10, it is heavier and sinks. API
gravity is thus an inverse
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measure of a given petroleum liquid's density relative to that of water (also
known as specific
gravity). It is used to compare densities of petroleum liquids. For example,
if one petroleum liquid is
less dense than another, it has a greater API gravity.
For the purpose of this specification the expression "solidifying" means
conferring to the bitumen,
characteristics such that the bitumen behaves practically as a solid mass. For
clarity, "solidifying"
does not imply a change of phase between a liquid phase and a solid phase, as
it is traditionally
understood in science. A "solid" bitumen pellet is further defined as a
bituminous structure that
does not flow to take the shape of a container and that also manifests a
structural integrity (i.e. resist
being torn apart) in the course of handling with mechanized dry-bulk
processing equipment or also
during transport in bulk.
Generally speaking, several options exist to solidify bitumen. A first option
is to solidify bitumen by
increasing its viscosity to the point at which it behaves as a solid. That can
be achieved by
incorporating into the bitumen an additive, which creates a mixture that has a
significantly higher
viscosity than the bitumen without the additive. For example, when a lump of
that mixture, at room
temperature, is placed on a solid surface, the lump is self-standing and
retains its shape. In other
words, the bitumen mixture would not flow and spread on the surface as bitumen
without the
additive normally would. Furthermore, the solidified bitumen constitutes a
structure that resists
deformation when subjected to an external load.
Lowering the temperature of the bitumen can also assist in increasing the
viscosity of the bitumen.
That approach may be useful in applications where the bitumen will constantly
remain at low
temperatures, hence its fluidity characteristics will be similar to those of a
solid.
A second option to solidify bitumen is to encase it into a shell. The shell
constitutes a mechanism to
retain the bitumen such that it would not flow out. The shell can be a hard
crust, which constitutes
a structure that resists deformation when subjected to an external load.
Alternatively, the shell can
be a softshell, which has a sufficient tensile strength to retain its
integrity even when subjected to
external loading.
The different options to solidify bitumen outlined above have respective
advantages and drawbacks
that need to be taken into consideration depending on the specific practical
application of the
solidification method. When the practical application is to solidify the
bitumen such that it is suitable
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for transport at a remote location, the second option is preferred since the
shell creates a non-stick
external surface. In this fashion, when the bitumen is pelletized, the pellets
will not stick to each
other and/or to surfaces of transportation containers and can be handled with
conventional
mechanized equipment used for loading or unloading commodities in bulk.
In a most preferred example of implementation, the first and the second
options are combined. A
solid pellet is provided having a core, which is a mixture of bitumen and an
additive that increases
the viscosity of the mixture. In the case where the core is hard enough so as
to minimize its
mobility in case of shell failure and spillage, however, it is not hard enough
to resist deformation
when subjected to the external load exerted on the pellet during the course of
various stages of
handling / storage / transport, the core is preferably provided with a shell
providing in addition to a
non-stick surface, increased crush resistance, impact resistance and abrasion
resistance.
Alternatively, in the case where the core is hard enough so as to minimize its
mobility in case of shell
failure and spillage, and is hard enough to resist substantial / irreversible
deformation when
subjected to the external load exerted on the pellet during the course of
various stages of handling /
storage / transport, the core can be provided with a soft shell, which
provides a non-stick surface
and is also resistant to abrasion or diffusion of bitumen in order to minimize
exposure of the core.
Advantageously, pelletized bitumen according to the present disclosure may
present one or more
characteristics, which facilitate the handling (e.g., loading / unloading),
transport and/or storage of
bitumen. For example, loading pelletized bitumen in train railcars,
containers, freighters or trucks
can be performed with pelletized or granular commodity material loading
systems such as but
without being limited to conveyor belts, conventional pneumatic transfer
systems, conventional
gravity loading systems, mechanical spreaders, and the like.
Alternatively or additionally, transporting pelletized bitumen does not
require any diluent, thus
saving on diluent costs and moving more bitumen on a volume basis. It is
easier to recover in case
of spill, as picking up pelletized bitumen is easier than recovering liquid
bitumen. Further,
transportation over rails does not need special tank cars ¨ existing
conventional cargo railcars, such
as gondola, hopper railcars or intermodal containers, can be used, thereby
avoiding the need for
expensive tank car upgrades. Further, maritime transportation would not
require double-hull tankers
¨ instead, the pelletized bitumen can be transported using bulk freighters.
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Alternatively or additionally, storage of pelletized bitumen does not require
storing in expensive
heated bitumen storage tanks, and instead may be simply stored in storage
silos or outdoors with
minimal weather protection measures and/or containment measures, as a function
of, for example,
pelletized bitumen characteristics such as pellet hydrophobicity, pellet crush
resistance and the like.
Applying a shell
Fig. 2 shows the steps of a method 200, which is a specific example of the
general method 100 of
Fig. 1, characterized by the optional step 30 of applying a shell on the
pellets, thus obtaining
bitumen pellets with a shell. Likewise, the method 200 allows the reversible
solidification of
bitumen. Examples of methods for applying the shell include co-extrusion,
spraying, dipping, blow
molding, form-fill-sealing, and injection molding stretch wrapping and shrink-
wrapping, which will
be described further later in this text.
Advantageously, applying a shell on pelletized bitumen may confer enhanced
structural strength to
the pellets, thus allowing one to use a less viscous mixture in the pellet
core, while still retaining the
overall structural integrity of the pellet. In other words, while less viscous
mixture on its own may
not behave practically as a solid, applying a shell onto less viscous mixture
confers sufficient
structural strength to the resulting pellets so that it behaves as a solid.
Alternatively or additionally, applying a shell on pelletized bitumen may
affect the adhesion
properties of the bitumen pellet, such as reducing pellet self-adhesion (e.g.,
thus avoiding or
minimizing the formation of difficult-to-handle bitumen cakes) and/or minimize
adhesion of
foreign materials to the pellet and/or minimize adhesion of the pellet to
equipment.
Alternatively or additionally, the shell applied on pelletized bitumen would
act as an oxygen barrier
increasing the resistance of the bitumen to deterioration as a result of
oxidation.
The external shell can be crust-like or flexible but having sufficient tensile
strength such as to
prevent exposure of the core during handling/transport of the pellet.
Preferably, the shell
completely encloses the bitumen core. It is also possible to use a shell,
which only partially encloses
the bitumen core.
Alternatively or additionally, applying a shell on pelletized bitumen may
confer an increased
hydrophobicity (water resistance) to the bitumen pellet, thus allowing for
example storage of pellets
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in outdoor settings without dissolution of bitumen into nature when exposed to
water.
Advantageously, the increased hydrophobicity of the bitumen pellet may also
minimize or prevent
water intake when the pellets are exposed to water, thus preserving the
bitumen quality.
Advantageously, the increased hydrophobicity of the bitumen pellet may
minimize or prevent water
intake in case of spill in water, thus reduce dissolution of some components
of bitumen in water and
possible breakdown of bitumen and its dispersion on the surface of the body of
water.
Advantageously, the increased hydrophobicity of the bitumen pellet may
minimize or prevent
adherence of particles (such as debris) to the pellets in case of spill in
water, thus preserving
buoyancy. Accordingly, bitumen pellets with a shell would retain their
buoyancy over a significant
time period, if dropped into water.
Alternatively or additionally, applying a shell on pelletized bitumen may
confer an increased
resistance to UV light deterioration of the bitumen, for example, by the
addition of one or more UV
light barrier compound to the shell. Advantageously, the addition of one or
more UV light barrier
compound to the shell may allow one to store the pelletized bitumen in an
outdoor setting with
minimal protection from UV light while minimizing or preventing photochemical
induced damage
to the bitumen.
Alternatively or additionally, applying a shell on pelletized bitumen may
allow incorporating one or
more color signals to the bitumen pellet by addition of the one or more color
signals to the shell.
Advantageously, the addition of one or more color signals to the pellet allows
one of skill to make
visually discernible a particular physical property of the bitumen. For
instance, the bitumen pellets
may have a color signal on at least a portion of the pellet surface which
correlates with particular
physical property of the bitumen, such as but without being limited to a
percentage of asphaltenes,
diluent, and/or solids found in the pellets; the range of ignition, flash
point, and/or melting
temperature of the pellets; and the like. As such, the color signal may be
used to convey grading of
properties / risks associated with particular bitumen / additive products.
Advantageously, the use of
a color signal may make the pellets more visible and facilitate recovery in
case of a spill in dense
vegetation, marine environment or in snow. Advantageously, the use of a color
signal may convey
trademark / ownership information.
Note that while Fig. 2 shows the step of application of the shell 30 as
following the pelletization step
20, that illustration is intended to demonstrate only one possible sequence of
events. As it will be
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discussed later, methods for making the bitumen pellets may use the
illustrated sequence where
pellets are formed first and a shell is applied on the existing pellets.
Methods are also discussed
where the shell is formed first and the bitumen pellets come into existence
only when bitumen is
placed into the shells. Finally, it is possible to use methods where both the
pellets and the shell are
formed at the same time, in which case steps 20 and 30 would be performed
simultaneously.
Pelletizing step
Figs. 3-7 each show a specific embodiment for the pelletizing step 20 of
method 100 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 describes a method 300 where the step 20 of pelletizing the bitumen
includes a step 48 of
increasing the viscosity of the bitumen followed by a step 40 of extruding the
bitumen to obtain
bitumen pellets having a predetermined shape. For example, the extruding step
can be implemented
in an extruder functioning in an intermittent fashion or there can be a gate
mechanism at an outlet
of the extruder that temporarily closes the outlet thereof, thus producing
discrete pellets.
Specifically, pellets with a predetermined shape may be produced by extrusion
through a rotating die
thus producing discreet droplets that solidify upon cooling, extrusion of a
continuous stream that is
cooled and solidified in the extruder and is then cut or formed into discreet
pieces at the outlet, or
injection of the hot mix into dies followed by cooling and release of the
formed pellets.
The method 300 then includes a step 52 of cooling the bitumen, which
solidifies it, thereby retaining
the predetermined shape of the extruded bitumen. Optionally, the method
includes applying a shell
on the pellets in step 30. In Fig. 3, steps 48, 40, 52 and 30 collectively
constitute an example of a
bitumen solidification/pelletization operation.
Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a method 400 where the step 20 of
pelletizing the bitumen
includes a step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the bitumen followed by a
step 50 of forming a layer
of bitumen, which can be performed by laying the bitumen material over a flat
surface to create a
layer of generally constant thickness. The method 400 then includes the step
52 of cooling the
bitumen layer, thus obtaining a substantially solid bitumen layer. The
solidified bitumen is then
separated into discrete pellets having a predetermined shape in a step 54.
Optionally, the method
further includes applying the shell on the individual pellets in step 30. In
Fig. 4, steps 48, 50, 52, 54
and 30, collectively constitute a different example of a bitumen
solidification/pelletization operation.
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Referring to Fig. 5, there is shown a method 500 where the step 20 of
pelletizing the bitumen
includes step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the bitumen followed by
molding the bitumen into
discrete pellets at step 60, then cooling the pellets at step 52 to solidify
them. The molded pellets are
then demolded in a step 62. Optionally, the method further includes applying
the shell on the pellets
in step 30. In Fig. 5, the steps 48, 60, 52, 62 and 30 constitute yet another
example of a bitumen
solidification/pelledzadon operation.
Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown a method 600 where the step 20 of
pelletizing the bitumen
includes step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the bitumen followed by
producing lumps of bitumen
at step 72 and cooling the lumps by putting them in a bath of cooling fluid.
For example, the cooling
fluid can be water or another liquid. Alternatively, the cooling fluid can be
a gaseous stream.
Optionally, the pellets are transported to a remote location in a step 74
using the cooling fluid as a
carrier. Fig. 6 is an example of a solidification/pelletizadon operation where
no shell is applied to
the bitumen pellets.
In that example, steps 48 and 72 collectively form the
solidification/pelledzadon operation.
Referring to Fig. 7, there is shown a method 700 where the
solidification/pelletizadon operation is
modulated according to the environment in which the bitumen pellets will
ultimately be used.
Step 20 of pelletizing the bitumen includes determining the expected
transportation or storage
temperature of the pelletized bitumen at step 80. The method 700 then includes
a step 82 of
pelletizing the bitumen such that its viscosity will be within a desired
range, selected according to the
expected transportation or storage temperature. Optionally, the method further
includes applying a
shell on the pellets in step 30. The reader will readily understand that the
step 82 may make use of
any one of the herein described step 20 of pelletizing bitumen with the
specific addition of a step of
adjusting the viscosity to a value which is suitable for maintaining the
structural integrity of the
pellets at the expected transportation or storage temperature.
Referring to Fig. 8, there is shown an example of implementation of step 48 in
Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Generally, there are two mechanisms that can induce bitumen solidification.
One is by lowering the
bitumen temperature. For instance, hot bitumen extrudate, will become a solid
and will no longer
flow when brought to a low enough temperature (Pour point). For applications
where the bitumen
will remain to a low enough temperature during transportation, such as in
winter, the solidification
may in principle be performed only by a cooling step and naturally the bitumen
will become solid
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since it is held at or below its pour point. However, in most practical
applications, where bitumen
needs to remain solid at room temperature, a second mechanism is relied upon
which is illustrated
by optional step 820 where bitumen is mixed with an additive operating to
increase the viscosity of
the bitumen in the temperature range at which the bitumen will be exposed in
use. The amount and
type of additive is selected such that the bitumen will be sufficiently
viscous at the desired
temperature range such as to behave as a solid. Generally, increasing the
additive content in the
mixture will have the effect of increasing the temperature at which viscosity
analogous to solid
material behaviour is achieved. Additive compounds, which are suitable for
this purpose, will be
further described later. Since, in most practical implementations of step 820,
the mixing of the
additive with the bitumen is facilitated at an elevated temperature, the
increase in viscosity is
manifested when the hot mixture is cooled down to ambient temperature.
Transporting pelletized bitumen
Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a generalized method 900 of handling and
transporting bitumen in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The method 900 includes a step 910 of providing bitumen pellets. The bitumen
pellets are then
transported to a remote location via a transporting step 920. At or near the
remote location, the
solid bitumen pellets, optionally with a shell, are then processed to recover
the bitumen, in step 90.
Optionally, the bitumen is then processed at step 960 to further reduce its
viscosity and density
which is more suitable for pumping the bitumen. For instance, step 960 can be
implemented by
adding a diluent and/or heating the bitumen to a temperature sufficient to
obtain a viscosity of the
desired value.
Fig. 10 shows a flow chart of a method 1000, which is a specific example of
implementation of the
method 900 of Fig. 9.
The method 1000 includes the step 910 of providing bitumen pellets. In this
specific embodiment,
step 910 includes at step 20 of pelletizing the bitumen, the sub-step 820 of
providing an additive
compound in the bitumen, where the additive compound is operative to increase
the viscosity of the
mixture. A shell is then applied to the pellets in step 30 and the pelletized
bitumen core with a shell
is then transported to a remote location via the transporting step 920. At or
near the remote
location, the bitumen pellets with a shell are then processed to recover the
bitumen, in step 90. The
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bitumen is then processed to remove at least a portion of the additive
compound from the bitumen
in a step 1010. Details of suitable processing for removing at least a portion
of the additive
compound from the bitumen are further described later in the text.
General Infrastructure
Fig. 11 shows a general infrastructure 1100a for implementing the method 900
of Fig. 9.
The pelletizing step 20, and optionally the shell application step 30, can be
performed at a
solidification location 220. The bitumen is processed at the solidification
location 220 so as to obtain
bitumen pellets, optionally with a shell. The bitumen pellets, optionally with
a shell, are then
transported via a transportation link 240 to a remote location 260. In the
specific embodiment
shown in Fig. 11, the transportation link 240 includes transportation over
land in a railcar 245, which
can be for example but without being limited to a gondola or hopper railcar or
within an intermodal
container. The reader will readily understand that a truck could be used
instead of or in addition to
the railcar 245. Optionally, the bitumen pellets (optionally with a shell) can
be stored in a container
(e.g., a silo) or accumulated in the form of a free standing pile prior to
and/or after the
transportation link 240. At or near the remote location 260, the bitumen
pellets are processed to
revert to a coherent bitumen-based core in the step 90. The bitumen can then
be refined at refinery
location 280. Note that the operations performed at the location 260 can be
integrated within the
refinery 280.
The general infrastructure 1100a may also be suitable for implementing the
method 1000 of Fig. 10.
The pelletizing step 20 and the shell application step 30 can be performed at
the solidification
location 220. The bitumen is processed at the solidification location 220 so
as to obtain bitumen
pellets with a shell by implementing step 820 of mixing the bitumen and
additive compound, where
the additive compound is operative to increase the viscosity of the mixture,
and applying the shell in
the step 30. The bitumen pellets with a shell are then transported via the
transportation link 240 to
the remote location 260. Optionally, the bitumen pellets with a shell can be
stored in a container
(e.g., a silo) or accumulated in the form of a free standing pile prior to
and/or after the
transportation link 240. At or near the remote location 260, the bitumen
pellets are processed to
recover the bitumen from the pellets, and to remove at least a portion of the
additive compound in
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step 1010. The bitumen is then processed at step 960 to reduce its viscosity
and density to a value
more suitable for pumping bitumen. The bitumen can then be refined at refinery
location 280.
Fig. 12 shows a variant 1100b of the general infrastructure 1100a of Fig. 11,
where the
transportation link 240 alternatively includes transportation over water and
is performed by a
maritime vessel 345 (e.g., a bulk freighter). In other words, in a specific
case where the solidification
location 220 is located near or at a port, the transportation link 240 would
not require a railcar 245
and could instead use the maritime vessel 345 to transport the bitumen pellets
to remote
location 260. As mentioned above, the bitumen pellets with a shell can be
stored in a container (e.g.,
a silo) or accumulated in the form of a free standing pile prior to and/or
after the transportation link
240.
Fig. 13 shows a variant 1100c of the general infrastructure 1100a of Fig. 11,
where the transportation
link 240 alternatively includes transportation over land and water, and is
performed by a railcar 245
and by a maritime vessel 345 (i.e., a bulk freighter). As mentioned above, the
bitumen pellets with a
shell can be stored in a container (e.g., a silo) or accumulated in the form
of a free standing pile prior
to and/or after the transportation link 240. In the specific case where the
solidification location 220
is remote from a port, the transportation link 240 may thus include a railcar
245 and a maritime
vessel 345 to transport the bitumen pellets to the remote location 260. The
reader will readily
understand that a truck could be used instead of or in addition to the railcar
245.
The previously discussed concept of storing bitumen pellets with a shell in a
container (e.g., a silo) or
accumulated in the form of a free standing pile prior to and/or after
transportation steps represents
a way of implementing a management system, where storage locations may
constitute buffer zones
for mitigating different rates of pellet handling / processing along the
supply chain. Fig. 58A and
Fig. 58B illustrate how storage locations can be used to implement such
management system in the
context of transportation over land and water.
In Fig. 58A, the pelletizing step 20 and the shell application step 30 are
performed at the
solidification location 220. The pellets with a shell are then transported
from the solidification
location 220 over conveyor belt 7205 to a storage location 335, where the
pellets with a shell are
dropped from a predetermined height to form a pile. When a train car 245 is
available at a railcar
loading station 7215, the pellets with a shell are transported from the
storage location 335 over
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conveyor belt 7210 to the loading station 7215, where the pellets with a shell
are loaded into the
train car 245 using automated loading equipment. The presence of storage
location 335, thus,
constitutes a buffer zone which allows the solidification location 220 to
operate at a given rate
without necessarily being limited with the maximal loading capacity at the
railcar loading location
7215, the overflow of produced pellets with a shell being stored in the
storage location 335 while
waiting for the next railcar to enter the railcar loading location 7215 and/or
allowing a different rate
of car train loading to occur.
The pellets with a shell are then transported by the train car 245 to a
maritime port, where they are
unloaded at railcar unloading station 7220 using automated unloading
equipment. The unloaded
pellets with a shell are then transported from the unloading station 7220 over
conveyor belt 7225 to
a storage location 335' where the pellets with a shell are dropped from a
predetermined height to
form a pile. When a maritime vessel 345 is available at a maritime vessel
loading station 7235, the
pellets with a shell are transported from the storage location 335' over
conveyor belt 7230 to the
maritime vessel loading station 7235, where the pellets with a shell are
loaded into the maritime
vessel 345. Similarly to the situation described with respect to storage
location 335, the presence of
storage location 335' also constitutes a buffer zone offering similar
advantages with respect to the
rate of train car unloading not being necessarily limited with the maximal
rate of maritime vessel
loading and/or with the presence of a maritime vessel at the maritime vessel
loading station 7235.
The pellets with a shell are then transported in the maritime vessel 345 to a
remote destination
where they are unloaded at maritime vessel unloading station 7240 using
automated unloading
equipment. The unloaded pellets with a shell are then transported from the
unloading station 7240
over conveyor belt 7245 to a storage location 335", where the pellets with a
shell are dropped from a
predetermined height to form a pile. The pellets with a shell are then
transported over conveyor
belt 7250 to the location 260, where the pellets with a shell are processed in
order to recover the
bitumen. Similarly to the situation described with respect to storage
locations 335 and 335', the
presence of storage location 335" also constitutes a buffer zone offering
similar advantages with
respect to the rate of maritime vessel unloading not being necessarily limited
with the maximal rate
of bitumen pellet processing at the location 260.
While conveyor belts 7205, 7210, 7245 and 7250 are shown in Fig. 58A and Fig.
58B, the reader will
understand that any other equipment for handling commodities in bulk can be
used. Also, while at
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
storage locations 335, 335' and 335", the pellets are shown as being stored in
the form of a
freestanding pile, the reader will readily understand that the pellets could
be stored in a container,
for example a silo.
The reader will also readily understand that at the destination, the pellets
can be unloaded by using
automated unloading equipment for handling commodities in bulk. An example of
such unloading
equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, which is preferably telescopic, a
clamshell scoop or
mechanical bucket, and which can be maneuvered through the cargo hatch of the
shipping container
(e.g., truck, rail car, maritime vessel, etc.) such as to automatically pick
up the load of pellets.
Pellet characteristics
Fig. 14A shows a cross section view of a bitumen pellet 300 in accordance with
an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
In the specific embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14A, the bitumen pellet 300
includes a shell 320 over a
bitumen-based core 310. While the bitumen-based core 310 can include a more or
less viscous
mixture of bitumen, overall the bitumen pellet 300 behaves as a solid pellet
even if the core 310 may
not be characterized as a solid.
For some specific applications, the bitumen pellet 300 does not have a shell
320 (not shown). In
this particular embodiment, the pellet 300 behaves as a solid pellet, however,
objectively its surface
could be sticky.
Advantageously, the pellet 300 has buoyancy, which has a specific gravity less
than 1.0 thereby
allowing the pellet to float if dropped in water.
The bitumen pellet 300 can have different dimensions and shapes. In a specific
example of
implementation, bitumen pellets 300 can have a maximal extent of less than
1/4", less than 1/2",
less than an inch, less than two inches, less than three inches, less than
four inches, less than five
inches or less than a foot, or more. In the present text, the maximal extent
is the maximal dimension
that can be recorded from one end of the pellet to another opposite end,
irrespective of which way
the measurement is made. In following the teachings of the present disclosure,
the person of skill
will readily understand which maximal extents are more suitable for a given
case, for example to
obtain pellets that are suitable for handling with common solids loading and
transport equipment.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
The desired maximal extents can thus depend on the specifications of the
transportation means,
which can be different in the case where the pellets are transported in a
fluid moving within a
pipeline or in a sluice-type system, as opposed to the case where the pellets
are transported in a
railcar. An additional consideration when determining the maximal extent of
the pellets is to reduce
the likelihood of ingestion by animals in the wild in the case of a spill and
also ease of recovering the
pellets.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the pellets can have a shape selected from
generally spherical,
generally lozenge-like, generally cylindrical, generally discoidal, generally
tabular, generally ellipsoidal,
generally flaky, generally acicular, generally ovoidal, generally pillow
shaped and any combinations
thereof. The shape can depend on the particular transportation method, for
example, a lozenge
shape may increase in certain circumstances railcar settling and efficient
conveyor handling.
During in-plant applications and/or handling, conveyors such as belt-conveyors
are often used at
high conveying angles. Such high angles, in turn, require bulk solid stability
on the inclined belt-
conveyors during conveying, feeding, and discharge so as to minimize pellets
slip-back and spillage.
In other words, the pellets 300 should have suitable flow properties to ensure
that there is sufficient
stability of the bulk on the conveyor belt during motion under various loading
conditions and along
a combination of horizontal and vertical curves, particularly, during starting
and stopping of the
conveyor, so as to minimize pellets slip-back and spillage.
There is a relationship between the shell 320 and the bitumen-based core 310
in that a more viscous
bitumen-based core 310 requires a thinner shell 320 (i.e., less % by weight
for the shell, for example
in the range of 0.1-1 wt.% relative to bitumen) while, conversely, a less
viscous bitumen-based
core 310 will need a thicker shell (i.e., more % by weight for the shell, for
example 1-20 wt.%
relative to bitumen) to obtain similar structural strength. The reader will
readily understand that
larger pellet size will generally require a relatively lower amount of shell
material.
In a specific example of implementation, the shell 320 has a thickness less
than 5 mm. Specific shell
thickness ranges include from about 10 litT1 to about 4.5 mm, from about 20
lifT1 to about 3 mm,
from about 20 lifT1 to about 2 mm and from about 20 lifT1 to about 1 mm. A
shell having a thickness
from about 10 lifT1 to about 0.5 mm is likely to have film-like behaviour, in
other words the shell is
flexible. Shells above 0.5 mm in thickness tend to be less flexible and more
crust-like. In a specific
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
and non-limiting example of implementation a pellet having a maximal extent of
about 2 inches can
have a shell thickness of about 25 p.m. In another specific and non-limiting
example of
implementation a pellet having a maximal extent of about 3 inches can have a
shell thickness of
about 0.3 mm.
Figure 14B is a more realistic representation of the shell 320 of a pellet
300a, showing inevitable
variations in thickness that are inherent in some of the shell application
processes. The variations in
thickness 340 inherently constitute weakness areas and they need to be taken
into consideration
when design the manufacturing parameters of the pellet in order to meet the
strength requirements
of the pellet. Accordingly, the shell thickness values stated previously, are
averages and do not imply
a constant thickness of the shell. To measure the shell thickness of pellet,
the shell is physically
separated from the core and then the thickness of the shell is measured at 10
randomly selected
points and then the results are averaged. Alternatively, the shell is produced
separately on the same
equipment as the one making the pellets, but bypassing the step of loading the
bitumen into the
shell. The later option is useful in instances where there is significant risk
that the shell will be
damaged by the removal of the bitumen, in particular the cutting and cleaning
stages to a point
where no thickness measurement can be made.
With reference to Fig. 14C, the shell 320 of a pellet 300c may have a closed-
pore foam layer
morphology. In other words, the shell may include pores 350 made by injecting
air / gas in the shell
material. Advantageously, a closed-pore foam layer morphology may require less
material for making
the shell due to the presence of void areas 350 and may increase the buoyancy
of the resulting
pellets 300c. The reader will appreciate that increased buoyancy may be a
desirable characteristic if
there is any risk that the pellets are spilled in water during transportation.
With reference to Fig.
14D, the shell 320 of Fig. 14C may further include an additional surface
coating 330 to seal the
pores open at the surface of pellet 300d.
Alternatively the shell may be composed of laminated layers of polymer sheet
or film reinforced by a
layer polymer mesh or woven polymer. Advantageously, reinforced polymer may
require less
material for making the shell with a similar level of strength of a thicker
polymer sheet due to the
presence of void areas.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Preferably, bitumen pellets 300 are crush resistant and impact resistant,
which can be advantageously
afforded by the compressive strength properties of the shell 320, when
present. When the shell 320
is absent or is not thick enough to withstand the required pressure without
deforming, the pellets
300 include sufficient additive to afford the structural strength that the
specific application requires.
A parameter that can be used to characterize the structural resistance of
solid bitumen pellets that
have an internal bituminous core encased in a shell is the burst resistance
test. The burst resistance
test is an indicator of the ability of the shell of the solid pellet to
withstand external forces and thus
to maintain its structural integrity during transport. The burst resistance
test is described in section
7.2 later in this text.
Another parameter that can be used to characterize the structural resistance
of solid bitumen pellets
is the crush-resistance test. This test is further described in section 7.3
later in this text.
Another parameter that can be used to characterize the structural resistance
of solid bitumen pellets
is the impact-resistance test. This test is further described in section 7.4
later in this text.
Advantageously, the impact-resistance, crush-resistance and burst resistance
properties of the
bitumen pellets 300 minimize the structural damages that could otherwise occur
to the pellets when
these are pressed by the weight of a material in the pile during storage or
are stressed during
transport in rail cars or maritime vessel cargo holds and during mechanical
transport by elevators, or
screw, belt or chain-conveyors and/or when the pellets are dropped from
relatively high heights
(e.g., conveyor drops) during handling.
As discussed previously, the shell 320 may provide the pellets with at least
one of the following
properties: enhanced structural strength, enhanced resistance to fire, non-
stickiness, surface
hydrophobicity, increased resistance to UV light, increased resistance to
oxidation-induced bitumen
deterioration, and incorporation of one or more color signals to the pellets.
The color signal of the pellets can be measured by reflectance
spectrophotometer ASTM standard
test methodology. Tfistimulus L*, a*, b* values are measured from the viewing
surface of the pellets.
These L*, a*, b* values are reported in terms of the CIE 1976 color coordinate
standard. Color
differences can be calculated according to method ASTM D2244-99 "Standard Test
Method for
Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
Coordinates."
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Advantageously, the bitumen pellets are made so as to have a non-white color
when being
transported during winter. In other words, the value L* of the colored
solidified bitumen particle is
chosen so as to facilitate spill recovery in snow, i.e., where L* = 0
represents the darkest black and
L* = 100 represents the lightest white.
Therefore, applying a color to the pellets that is contrasting with snow,
thereby affords an easier
localization of spilled pellets in snow. Similarly, applying on the pellets a
color that is contrasting in
marine environment would make the pellets easier to locate on water. For
instance, the pellets could
be made of light color to easier to see on a dark body of water. Another
possible variant is to apply
on the pellets material that is reflective to an external source of
illumination, such as UV light. This
approach would make the pellets easier to locate when there is little or no
ambient light; a UV light
source would make the pellets visible in the dark.
Advantageously, the color signal is applied on the shell of the pellet. The
color signal may be a die
that is mixed with the additive (e.g., polymer) material used to make the
shell. Note that the color
signal is not necessarily uniform over the pellet. Applications are
contemplated where the color
signal is applied on only a portion of the pellet, the remainder of the pellet
being without a color
signal. It is also possible to apply to the pellet two or more color signals.
In a specific and non-limiting example of implementation, a color signal that
has been found
adequate in order to create a contrast in a snowy environment is one where the
value L* is in the
range from 0 to 50. In that range, the parameters a*, b* can take any valid
value, still the color signal
will create a contrast against the snow.
In a different environment such as a dark body of water, the value L* could be
in the range from 60
to 100 to produce a light shade that would stand out on a dark background.
Additive compound
In one embodiment, increasing the viscosity of the bitumen can be performed by
mixing bitumen
and an additive, which thickens the mixture. In a specific example of
implementation, the amount of
additive mixed with the bitumen is selected such that the mixture exhibits a
paste-like consistency at
room temperature. If desired, a solid-like behaviour at room temperature can
also be achieved by
further increasing the amount of additive.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
In a practical implementation, the additive includes a hydrocarbonaceous
polymer, which operates to
increase the viscosity of the mixture. The additive can be a single material
or a blend of different
materials. Optionally, the rate of addition of the additive to the bitumen can
be adjusted according
to expected transportation or storage temperatures.
Advantageously, the additive used in the present disclosure does not reduce
the quality of the
bitumen; in other words, the bitumen recovered from the solid pellets remains
suitable for further
processing such as refining. For example, the additive may have low adsorption
tendency for low
molecular weight hydrocarbons comprised in the bitumen avoiding, thereby,
significant changes in
the properties of the bitumen undergoing the solidification procedure.
As discussed elsewhere in this specification, the interaction between the
additive and the bitumen is
important for economic and performance considerations. Generally, it is
desired that the bitumen
retrieved from the solid bitumen pellets has physicochemical properties, which
are substantially
similar to those of the bitumen before having the additive incorporated
therein. One reason is to
retain compatibility with the existing refining equipment. If the properties
of the bitumen change
too much, the product may no longer be suitable for processing in existing
refineries. Accordingly,
in a specific and non-limiting example of implementation, the additive is
selected such that one or
more of the following properties of the bitumen will not vary by more than the
indicated value
between the retrieved bitumen and the bitumen before the inclusion of the
additive therein: the flash
point (not more than the reproducibility of the method), the boiling point
distribution (not more
than about 5% in degree Celsius), the density (not more than about 1%), and
the pour point (not
more than about 3 C which is the repeatability of the standard measurement
method).
In a specific example of implementation, when the additive is a
hydrocarbonaceous polymer, there
are a number of factors to consider when evaluating the suitability of the
particular polymer for the
bitumen solidification, from the perspective of maintaining compatibility with
existing refining
equipment. Examples of factors include:
a) Solubility of the polymer into the bitumen.
Generally, the lower the solubility the better. If too much polymer is
dissolved into the bitumen, it
can foul the refining equipment, which is to be avoided. In addition, the
polymer that is dissolved in
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
the bitumen is hard to remove, hence difficult to recycle, which is
economically undesirable as some
polymer would be lost during the refining of the bitumen.
Specific examples of polymers that have been found satisfactory for
solidifying bitumen, can exist in
two different phases when mixed with bitumen: one phase is a miscible phase,
which is dissolved
into the bitumen, and the other phase is a non-miscible phase where discrete
polymer droplets are
dispersed throughout the body of bitumen. In order to retrieve the bitumen
from the solid pellets,
the non-miscible phase is removed, such as by gravity separation, as it will
be discussed later.
Advantageously, the polymer is selected such that its solubility in bitumen
measured at 150 C is less
than 5 wt.%, or less than 1 wt.%, or less than 0.5 wt.%, or less than 0.1
wt.%, or less than 0.05 wt.%,
or less than 0.01 wt.%. If the solubility of the polymer in bitumen is found
to be too high, the
polymer in solution can be removed, at least to some extent, by using a
suitable solvent extraction
process. In practice that process is to be avoided as it adds cost and
complexity.
b) Entrapment of bitumen in the polymer
The inventors have found that following removal of the above non-miscible
polymer phase, for
instance by gravity separation, the non-miscible phase of the polymer entraps
bitumen. That is not
desirable since it constitutes a loss of valuable product and from an
economics perspective it is
desirable to reduce the level of bitumen entrapment. For example, the polymer
phase can entrap
bitumen material in a relative amount not exceeding about 70 wt.%, or not
exceeding about 60
wt.%, or not exceeding about 40 wt.%, or not exceeding about 30 wt.%, or not
exceeding about 10
wt.% relative to the polymer phase, which may vary depending on extraction /
clean up parameters.
One option to reduce the economic impact of bitumen entrapment is to recycle
the non-miscible
phase of polymer removed from the bitumen during the bitumen retrieval
operation. In this fashion,
the entrained bitumen effectively remains in a closed loop such that there is
substantially minimal
overall loss of bitumen over several cycles. That approach, however, adds
complexity in that the
bitumen saturated polymer extracted from the bitumen needs to be transported
back to the
solidification plant for re-use, which involves transportation costs and
logistical considerations.
In a particular embodiment, the additive is a hydrocarbonaceous polymer having
a melting point
which is low enough to allow a processing temperature of less than about 180
C, preferably of less
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
than about 160 C, for example but without being limited to a melting point
temperature of at least
50 C. For example, the melting point temperature can be between about 50 C and
about 150 C.
In a particular embodiment, the pellet includes an emulsion of bitumen and the
hydrocarbonaceous
polymer. The emulsion can include discrete droplets of the hydrocarbonaceous
polymer dispersed
throughout the bitumen. In one embodiment, upon subjecting the pellet to a
process for retrieving
the bitumen, which includes a coalescence step of the droplets, results in a
fusion of at least a
portion of said discrete droplets of hydrocarbonaceous polymer. Additionally
or alternatively, the
additive is a hydrocarbonaceous polymer, which advantageously has a relatively
low solubility in
bitumen at high temperature so as to minimize the processing efforts required
to separate the
additive compound from the bitumen. For example, in a particular practical
embodiment, the
polymer can be low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which has a solubility in
bitumen at 150 C of less
than 0.03 wt.%.
Additionally or alternatively, the additive is a hydrocarbonaceous polymer,
which has low attraction
to water to ensure integrity of the solidified bitumen in case of a spill into
a body of water and avoid
moisture absorption.
Additionally or alternatively, the additive is a hydrocarbonaceous polymer,
which has low density
relative to water so as to minimize sinking of the solidified bitumen in case
of a spill into a body of
water.
Bitumen produced by a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) extraction site
is in most cases
cleaned and separated from water by addition of a solvent. Preferably, the
solvent is removed prior
to processing the bitumen to convert it into pellets. Therefore, in most cases
the feed to the
solidification process would come from a diluent recovery unit rather than
being the raw bitumen.
Generally, the bitumen from the diluent recovery unit is heated at a
temperature between about
50 C and about 180 C, preferably between about 80 C and about 180 C, which is
sufficient for
blending the bitumen and the additive compound.
In an advantageous non-limiting embodiment, a single hydrocarbonaceous polymer
is added to the
bitumen. This simplifies the solidification of the bitumen. However, it is
also conceivable for two or
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
more different hydrocarbonaceous polymers to be added to the bitumen,
especially when particular
further advantageous properties are to be obtained.
In one embodiment, the hydrocarbonaceous polymer includes a polyethylene (PE)
or polypropylene
(PP), optionally ramified and/or substituted.
In one embodiment, the polyethylene (PE) may include high density polyethylene
(HDPE),
polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), or any combinations thereof.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the hydrocarbonaceous polymer is mixed with
the bitumen to
obtain the bitumen-based core in a quantity of 1-20 wt.%, e.g., 1-5 wt.%, or 5-
15 wt.% relative to
bitumen. For certain bitumen types, addition of the hydrocarbonaceous polymer
in a quantity of
about 1 to about 5 wt.% relative to bitumen results in a mixture which behaves
like a paste with low
mobility at room temperature. Addition of the hydrocarbonaceous polymer at
higher rates (e.g.,
above 10 wt.% relative to bitumen), results in a mixture which behaves as a
quasi-solid. The reader
will readily understand that the amount of the hydrocarbonaceous polymer
required to obtain a
certain behavior is dependent on the type of bitumen, the type of polymer and
the method of
mixing. Increasing the temperature of the polymer/bitumen mixture would
decrease its viscosity and
increase its mobility. The polymer/bitumen mixture will thus show liquid-like
behavior at elevated
temperatures. The temperature at which the mixture would readily flow depends
on the type of
polymer and bitumen and the rate of polymer addition.
In a practical implementation, the pellet includes a bitumen core and a shell
320.
In a particular embodiment, the shell includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer
which is the same as
the hydrocarbonaceous polymer present in the bitumen core.
In a particular embodiment, the shell includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer
which is different from
the additive present in the bitumen core.
In one embodiment, the shell includes the hydrocarbonaceous polymer in a
quantity of from about
0.01 to about 20 wt.% relative to bitumen, e.g., from about 0.01 to about 5
wt.% relative to bitumen.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
In a particular embodiment, the shell includes a hydrocarbonaceous polymer
which includes a cross-
linked polymer. In such particular case, the shell may include 0.3-0.5 wt.% of
cross-linked polymer
relative to bitumen, since cross-linked polymer is much stronger than non-
cross-linked polymer.
As discussed previously, where there is a sufficient amount of the
hydrocarbonaceous polymer
mixed with the bitumen to give it enough structural strength for handling /
storage / transportation,
for example, an amount above 10 wt.% relative to bitumen, then the shell can
be made with a soft
shell including hydrocarbonaceous polymer in an amount of 0.01-5 wt.% relative
to bitumen. For
example, the shell may include 2-5 wt.% polymer relative to bitumen with the
core mixture including
about 10 wt.% polymer relative to bitumen.
The mechanical properties of the polymer used in the context of the shell /
bitumen-based core can
be tested, for example, for resistance to stretching (yield and tensile
strength), stiffness (yield
modulus), toughness (tensile energy to break, impact resistance), and
resistance to tear (flexural
strength) using standard tests such as ASTM D882 which is a standard test
method for tensile
properties of thin plastic sheeting, ASTM D790 which is a standard test
methods for flexural
properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulating
materials, ASTM D1922
which is a standard test method for propagation tear resistance of plastic
film and thin sheeting by
pendulum method, or ASTM F1306 which is a standard test method for slow rate
penetration
resistance of flexible barrier films and laminates.
Note that while a shell is preferred such as to protect the bitumen-based core
of the pellet, there are
applications where the shell may be dispensed with. As it will be discussed
below, pellets, without a
shell can be transported in a fluid medium that will isolate the pellets from
each other and reduce
the possibility of the pellets caking. In addition, the pellets can also be
handled and transported at
very low temperatures, which renders the bituminous-based mixture practically
solid, obviating the
need for a shell.
Equipment and processes for industrial applicability of the invention
Fig. 15 illustrates a system 1300 for pelletizing bitumen. The system 1300
includes a mixing
stage 405 and a solidification stage 480. As it will be described below in
greater detail, the purpose of
the mixing stage 405 is to mix together bitumen and an additive that operates
to increase the
viscosity of a mixture of the bitumen and the additive. The mixing stage 405
includes a mixer 410
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
that has a first inlet 402 receiving bitumen and a second inlet 404 receiving
the additive. While this is
not shown in the drawings, it will be understood that a metering device is
provided on the inlet 404
to adjust the quantity of additive with relation to the quantity of bitumen
402. Optionally, one or
more additional elements can be added to the bitumen and/or the additive.
It is necessary to heat the bitumen and the additive such as to obtain a
reasonably homogeneous
mixture. When the additive is in the form of a hydrocarbonaceous polymer, it
is heated to its melting
temperature or above such that it becomes liquid and mixes well with the
bitumen. One possibility is
to heat the bitumen and introduce the polymer at the second inlet 404 in
powder form or in fine
granular form. The polymer mixes with the bitumen and heats up, melts and
homogeneously
distributes itself throughout the bitumen-based core.
In a specific example implementation, the polymer introduced at the second
inlet 404 has a melting
point which is of at least 50 C, for example within the range of 50 C and
about 150 C. Accordingly,
the bitumen and the polymer are heated at a temperature of at least 50 C, for
example within the
above temperature range before being introduced in the mixer 410.
Alternatively, the bitumen is
heated within that temperature range and its temperature is maintained during
the mixing operation.
The polymer is introduced in solid form but as it contacts the hot bitumen it
melts and it is
distributed uniformly throughout the bitumen-based core as a result of the
mechanical agitation.
The mixing temperature is maintained above the melting temperature of the
polymer in order to
maintain the mixture at the viscosity at which the mixing operation can be
carried out. It may be
advantageous to maintain the mixing temperature even higher such as to reduce
the viscosity of the
bitumen sufficiently and increase the pumpability of the mixture.
In addition to the in-vessel mixing shown in Fig. 15, in-line mixing combined
with recirculation, or
single and multi-pass in-line mixing at elevated temperatures can also be used
to mix the bitumen
and the additive.
The hot mixture leaves the outlet of the mixer 410 and is directed to the
inlet of a pump 420, which
pumps the heated mixture through a conduit 430. The mixture is discharged from
the conduit 430
into a solidification stage 480. Examples of solidification stages include:
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1. Injecting the liquid into pre-fabricated molds followed by cooling of the
material inside the
mold to less than the melting point of the additive, preferably less than 80
C, preferably less
than 50 C, and release of the pellets from the mold.
2. Injecting the liquid mixture through a long-hollow extrusion die (e.g.,
with a circular cross
section) along the length of which the liquid stream is cooled to less than
the melting point
of the additive, preferably less than 80 C, preferably less than 50 C, and
cutting the
continuous rod of hardened material coming out of the end of the extrusion
die.
3. Injecting the liquid mixture through a rotating die into a stream of water
where individual
droplets are formed and cooled to harden prior to being transported with the
liquid.
Fig. 16 illustrates a system for pelletizing bitumen according to a variant.
The system 1400 includes a
mixing stage 405 which is identical to the one described above in connection
with Fig. 15. The hot
mixture is pumped through the conduit 430 into a solidification stage 580,
which includes an
extruder 530. The extruder 530 includes a screw that further mixes the
additive (e.g., polymer) and
the bitumen and extrudes the mixture through a die 560. The die 560 has a
predetermined cross-
sectional shape, such that the mixture discharged from the die acquires that
cross-sectional shape. A
shutter device 540 operates to slice the length of extruded mixture into
individual pellets 310. The
shutter device 540 includes a pair of blades that are synchronously operated
between a closed
position, in which they close the die 560, thus preventing the mixture from
being pumped out, and
an open position in which the mixture can egress the die 560. The shutter
device 540 is cycled at the
required speed in order to obtain pellets 310 of the desired size. The faster
the cycling, the smaller
the pellets 310 will be. In contrast, the slower the cycling, the larger the
pellets 310.
The die 560 has an internal channel through which the mixture is conveyed. The
internal channel is
surrounded by a cooling jacket, which cools the mixture below the
solidification temperature.
Accordingly, the pellets, which are discharged from the solidification stage
580, are solid. The
cooling jacket is a cavity through which is pumped a cooling medium, such as
water. The rate at
which the cooling medium circulates through the cooling jacket is selected
depending upon the
desired temperature of the mixture to be achieved at the outlet of the die
560.
Optionally, a liquid bath can be provided to cool the pellets. An advantage of
a liquid bath is that it
can also be used as a conveyance medium to transport the pellets to a remote
location.
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The apparatus shown in Fig. 16 can be modified to introduce into the bitumen
mixture, before the
formation of the pellets 310, an additional additive such as a dye. The dye
can be injected before the
mixture is introduced into the extruder 530. In this fashion, the additive
will be adequately dispersed
throughout the mixture by the screw of the extruder 530 before the pellets 310
are formed.
Fig. 17 illustrates yet another variant of the system for pelletizing bitumen.
The system 2000 is
characterized by its ability to provide the pellets with an external shell. As
discussed elsewhere in the
application, the external shell can be useful for applications where the
pellets need to be handled
which involves inter-pellet contact or contact between pellets and
transportation/handling
equipment. The shell reduces the likelihood of the pellets sticking to each
other or sticking to walls
of transportation/handling equipment.
More particularly, the shell creates a non-stick outer surface, physically
protecting the bitumen core
inside and preventing the pellets from being crushed when a certain weight is
applied on them. For
example, when the pellets are transported in bulk into a freight railroad car,
the pellets at any depth
within the pile in the car are exposed to the weight of the pellets above
them. In this mode of
transport, it would be undesirable that the weight of the pellets crush or
deform the lowermost layer
of pellets. The risk is that if the pellets are crushed, the shell may break
and the bitumen core may
ooze out and stick to adjacent pellets or to the equipment, thus requiring a
clean-up. Also crushing
would change the shape of the pellets and cause difficulty in the downstream
handling and transport
of the solids.
The system 2000 includes the mixing stage 405 described earlier in connection
with other
embodiments. The heated bitumen/additive mixture is supplied to an extruder
2020, which includes
an internal screw that further homogenizes the mixture and supplies it to an
extrusion die 2040.
While not shown in the drawings, the die 2040 is cooled such as to reduce the
temperature of the
bitumen/additive mixture below the solidification temperature.
An optional extruder 2030 feeds additional additive (e.g., polymer) to the
mixture that leaves the
extruder 2020. The additional additive may be the same additive that is used
in the mixture produced
by the mixing stage 405, or a different additive. The additional additive is
transported through a
conduit 222 and discharged into the mixture bitumen/additive before the
extrusion die 2040
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solidifies that mixture. The additional additive may further include another
ingredient, such as for
example a dye.
Preferably, the additional additive is the same additive that will be used to
make the shell of the
pellets. The additional additive discharged by the extruder 2030 is delivered
in a way to create an
outer layer around the mixture bitumen/additive delivered from the extruder
2020. To elaborate, the
additional additive is delivered into the channel through which the extruded
mixture
bitumen/polymer is transported, through a series of nozzles. The nozzles are
periphery distributed
around the circumference of the channel. In this fashion, the nozzles deposit
on the
bitumen/additive mixture an additional additive layer that forms at least a
portion of the final shell.
Accordingly, the extruders 2020 and 2030, operate such as to perform a co-
extrusion operation in
which bitumen/additive mixture is forced through the die of the extruder 2020
in order to form the
core of the extrusion while the extruder 2030 deposits an outer layer on that
core.
The two layered extrusion core/outer layer is directed through the extrusion
die 2040. The two-
layered extrusion is cooled as it progresses through the die 2040 to increase
its viscosity.
A third extruder 2010 is provided to complete the formation of the shell such
that the pellets are
completely enclosed. The extruder 2010 supplies additional additive, which may
be the same or
different from those used in the extruder 2030 and in the mixture pumped by
the extruder 2020.
Preferably, the additive discharged by the extruder 2010 is the same as the
one discharged by the
extruder 2030. In this fashion, a uniform shell structure is provided which
completely encloses the
pellets. The extruder 2010 supplies additive through a pair of channels
feeding respective
nozzles 2042 and 2044 that are located a short distance upstream from the
discharge port of the
die 2040. It will be understood that the additional additive supplied by
extruder 2010 may further
include a dye. In case where the extruder 2030 supplies a first dye, the
extruder 2010 may supply a
second dye, which can be the same or different as the first dye. When the
first and second dyes are
different, the addition of the additives through the pair of channels feeding
respective nozzles 2042
and 2044 may afford the formation of coloured visual pattern effects on the
pellets. In one
embodiment, the dye content is controlled to avoid negatively affecting the
quality of bitumen upon
recovery of the bitumen. Typically, that would involve determining the minimal
degree of
coloration on the pellet to accomplish the desired objective and adjusting the
amount of dye
accordingly. In another embodiment, the dye material is selected such that it
can be removed from
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the liquefied bitumen material upon recovery of the bitumen from the pellets
or from the liquefied
shell material upon separating the shell from the bitumen-based core. The dye
so removed can be
re-cycled to color a new batch of pellets or discarded.
The nozzles 2042 and 2044 are located a sufficient distance downstream the
inlet port of the
extrusion die 2040 such as to leave enough time for the 2 layer extrusion to
solidify. Accordingly, the
nozzles 2042 and 2044 deposit a layer of molten additive (e.g., polymer) on a
layer of solid bitumen-
based mixture. Since the nozzles 2042 and 2044 are located a short distance
from the outlet port of
the extrusion die 2040, the final layer of additive (e.g., polymer) does not
have enough time to cool
down sufficiently and solidify before leaving the outlet port of the extrusion
die 2040.
A shutter device 2046 separates the multilayer extrusion into individual
pellets. However, since the
outermost layer of the extrusion is still more or less liquid, it will stick
by capillarity to the working
surfaces of the blades of the shutter device 2046. As a result of that
capillary adhesion, molten
additive (e.g., polymer) is entrained as the blades slice through the
extrusion, thus coating the
exposed freshly cut ends of the extrusion. In this fashion, the shell is
formed which completely
encloses the pellet on all sides. It will be understood that at least the
longitudinal ends of the shell
may be relatively thicker to other portions of the shell in order to provide
extra strength and/or to
facilitate effective high-speed cutting. Objectively, for this operation to
occur the shell layer needs to
have a certain minimum thickness. For the proposed process with intermittent
additive injection the
plugs of additive coming out of the die (prior to cutting) would need to be
solid or very near solid
otherwise the pellets could burst during the cutting process.
The pellets 300 that leave the shutter device 2046 are essentially solid with
the exception of the
outermost additive layer, which is still more or less liquid. While not shown
in the drawings, it will
be understood that the pellets 300 are cooled in order to completely solidify
the external shell.
Once the external shell is completely solidified, the pellets 300 can be
handled for loading/unloading
and transportation, by using suitable mechanical equipment, without
significant risk of exposing the
core of bitumen.
Fig. 18 illustrates a variant of the system for applying a shell on the
pellets 310. It will be understood
that the pellets 310 shown at Fig. 18 are the cores of the final pellets 300,
in other words the
pellets 310 are constituted only by a mixture of bitumen/additive. The system
2100a includes a
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
conveyor belt on which solidified pellets 310 travel. A series of spray heads
2120 spray additive (e.g.,
polymer) dissolved in a solvent on the pellets 310. A number of spray heads
2120 are used such as to
progressively build on the surface of the pellets 310 a shell of the desired
thickness upon
evaporation of the solvent. Advantageously, the conveyor belt may be vibrated
to cause the
pellets 310 to move such as to expose the entirety of their surface to the
spray generated by the
spray heads 2120. Note that the optional step of recovering the solvent can be
considered.
Alternatively, a coating can be formed by deposition of fine additive (e.g.,
polymer) particles either
by electrostatic force or by spinning the pellet in a fluidized bed of fine
additive (e.g., polymer)
particles followed by melting. Dip coating using a solution of additive (e.g.,
polymer) in a solvent is
also another option.
Although not shown in the drawings, it will be understood that a cooling
device such as one of
those discussed previously may also be provided downstream the spray heads
2120 in order to cool
and solidify the additive (e.g., polymer) deposited on the pellets.
Fig. 19 is yet another variant of a system for applying a shell on the
pellets. In contrast to the
system 2100a, the system 2100b uses a film of polymeric material in order to
form the shell on the
pellets 310. The system 2100b includes a pair of film supply stations 2162 and
2164 that feed an
upper layer and a lower layer of film towards a supply of pellets 310
advancing to the station 2100b.
Each film supply station includes a supply roll feeding a layer of film
through a series of guide
rollers, which direct the film layers towards an assembly station 2155, which
essentially positions the
film layers one on top of the other, with the pellets 310 in between.
A sealing station 2160 operates to fuse the film layers to each other and
enclose the pellets 310
individually. The sealing station 2160 uses a heater device in order to melt
or at the very least soften
the uppermost film layer such that it bonds to the lowermost film layer. As
the uppermost film layer
softens, it acquires drapability characteristics such that it will fall due to
gravity and mold itself
around the individual pellets 310. At the same time, the uppermost film layer
will fuse the surface of
the lowermost film layer, with which it is in contact, creating a strong bond
between the layers.
As shown in Fig. 19, the sealing station 2160 includes a convective heater.
Alternatively, a radiant
heater or hot air heater could be envisaged.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
It is important to note that the temperature of the uppermost film as it is
processed through the
sealing station 2160 should be precisely controlled in order to regulate the
softness of the film
material. If the temperature is not high enough, the film will not be
sufficiently soft, as a result it will
not mold itself correctly around the pellets 310. Conversely, if the
temperature is too high, the film
could lose its integrity and fail to completely enclose the pellets 310.
It should be noted that the thickness of the films 2150, 2158 could vary
within large ranges. For
example, the range could be from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm. When the film is
near the lower
end of the range, the resulting shell is relatively thin and flexible. Thicker
films could be
advantageous from the perspective of providing a shell that has a higher
structural integrity.
Thinner films can be processed with the equipment shown at Fig. 19, where
gravity is sufficient to
cause the upper film to drape sufficiently and adopt the pellet shape. Thicker
films may require a
vacuum assist to properly mold themselves to the pellet cores. An example of
an adequate setup is
shown at Fig. 55.
In Fig. 55, the system 6000 uses vacuum assisted die rolls to continuously
form pellets using a thick
polymer sheet. More specifically, the system 6000 has a bitumen supply station
6002, which supplies
bitumen (which can be virgin or a bitumen/polymer mixture) to an injection
wedge 6004. The
injection wedge delivers the bitumen at a controlled rate at the nip between
two die rolls 6006 and
6008. Each die roll 6006, 6008 has a peripheral surface defining a series of
cavities 6010. The
registration between the rolls 6006 and 6008 is such that as the rolls turn,
the cavities 6010 on the
respective rolls face each other to form a molding cavity in which a pellet
can be shaped. The roll
surface defining each cavity 6010 includes apertures (not shown) which are
connected to a source of
vacuum such as a vacuum pump. For instance, the central portion of each die
roll 6006 and 6008,
which is shown empty in Fig. 55, is connected to a source of vacuum, the
apertures on the
peripheral surface of both die rolls, opening into central void area.
A supply roll of polymer material film 6016 is shown at 6012, it being
understood that an identical
companion roll (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of the setup.
Guides 6014 support the
polymer film 6016 as it is being dispensed from the rolls 6012 and fed toward
the nip between the
die rolls 6006 and 6008.
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The two film layers 6016 join at the nip between the rolls 6006 and 6008 while
simultaneously the
injection wedge deposits bitumen between the films. The injection wedge may be
designed to
continuously pump out bitumen or to do it intermittently to coincide with the
respective cavities
6010 as they travel through the nip. In other words, bitumen is deposited at
the nip only when two
opposing cavities 6010 are open and no bitumen is deposited at the nip when
there are no cavities
exposed to accept the bitumen load.
A source of heat, not shown is provided along the feed path of the films 6016
to heat the polymer
material and soften it. As the softened films pass through the nip the vacuum
created in the cavities
6010 draws the film layers 6016 against the cavity wall. The pressure created
by the bitumen load
entrapped between two opposing cavities 6010 also assists the film expansion
against the wall cavity.
The rolls 6006 and 6008 can be designed to provide crimp seal zones, at the
peripheral roll areas that
surround each cavity 6010, at which the film layers 6016 are compressed
against each other to fuse
together and thus completely enclose the bitumen load. Completed pellets 300,
ready for transport /
storage are released from the respective cavities 6010 as the cavities part
away.
Fig. 20 is yet another variant of the station for applying a shell on the
pellets. The station 2400
receives the mixture of bitumen/additive from the mixing station 405 through a
conduit 430 that
leads to a metering device 850. The bitumen/additive mixture is delivered into
individual pouches of
polymeric material, where each individual pouch constitutes the shell of the
final pellet. The
individual pouches 2410 are transported on the conveyor belt in a spaced apart
relationship. The
pouches 2410 move along the direction of the arrow. A synchronization
mechanism is provided in
order to stop the movement of the conveyor belt as a pouch 2410 aligns with
the discharge
nozzle 432 of the metering device 850. The metering device 850 is then
operated to discharge a
predetermined quantity of bitumen/additive mixture in order to fill the pouch
2410. The conveyor
belt is then operated such as to position the subsequent pouch 2410 in
registration with the
discharge nozzle 432. A pouch sealing station generically shown at 2412 seals
the open end of the
pouch. An example of a sealing station is one that includes a pair of jaws
that mechanically close the
open ends of the pouch while heating them in order to fuse them together.
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To avoid the mixture bitumen/additive discharged from the metering device 850
from solidifying, a
heating mechanism may be provided such as to maintain the temperature of the
metering device 850
high enough and avoid the mixture of bitumen/additive becoming too viscous to
be pumped.
Fig. 43 is a flowchart of another process variant for applying a shell on the
pellet. In this variant, at
step 4510, the shell is formed using blow-fill-seal technology. Typically, in
blow-fill-seal
manufacturing processes, a semi-molten, hollow, cylindrical plastic parison is
extruded downwardly
between cavities provided in a pair of open and opposed mold halves; the mold
cavity being shaped
according to the desired pellet structure. The mold halves are then closed
around the lower portion
of the plastic parison to pinch and seal the bottom of the parison after which
a cutting knife (not
shown) severs the upper portion of the parison to separate it from the
extruder.
In the method 4500 of Fig. 43, liquid bitumen (or bitumen/additive mixture) is
injected into the
parison to expand it against the inner walls of the mold cavity such as to
form the pellet shell.
Advantageously, the mold and/or the liquid bitumen (or bitumen/additive
mixture) is at a
sufficiently elevated temperature so as to maintain the polymer material of
the parison in a soft semi-
molten condition such as to allow the polymer to expand against the mold
cavity walls. The sealing
mechanism of the mold is then closed to seal the upper portion of the shell
such as to form a
continuous and liquid tight structure completely surrounding the bitumen core.
Fig. 44 is a variant method 4600 of the method 4500 of Fig. 43, where at step
4610, pressurized gas
instead of the liquid bitumen of Fig. 43 is injected into the parison to blow
mold it. Thereafter, at
step 4620, liquid bitumen (or bitumen/additive mixture) is dispensed into the
blow molded polymer
shell. At step 4590, the sealing mechanism of the mold is closed to seal the
upper portion of the
parison and complete the shell structure.
While the above general description of a process for blow-fill-seal technology
involves extrusion of
the parison directly between the mold halves, the person of skill will readily
realize that in a variant,
the parison can be pre-formed and in such variant, the parison would thus not
be extruded directly
into the mold.
The above methods may be carried out in a variety of blow-fill-seal machines
that are commercially
available.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As seen in Fig. 45, a blow-fill-seal apparatus 4700 that may be used to
fabricate bitumen pellets 300
includes mold halves 4710 and 4710'. As shown in Fig. 45, initially the mold
halves 4710 and 4710'
are separated and receive there between a parison tube 38.
Fig. 46 shows the mold halves moved into mutual engagement to close the mold
cavity 4720 and
pinch the lower parison extremity such as to form a fluid-tight seal that
would allow the parison 38
to be blow-molded.
As shown in Fig. 47 the parison 38 is blow molded by injection of pressurized
gas and acquires the
shape of the mold cavity and thus form the pellet shell. While the shell
remains in the mold cavity, it
is filled with liquid bitumen (or bitumen / additive mixture) supplied from a
suitable pumping
station.
Fig. 48 shows a variant of Fig. 47, which corresponds to step 4510 of process
4500, where the
parison 38 is blow molded by injection of liquid bitumen (or bitumen /
additive mixture) instead of
pressurized gas in order to blow mold the shell and fill it with bitumen in
one operation.
Fig. 49A and Fig. 49B show conceptually how the shell formed in either Fig. 47
or Fig. 48 is closed.
The polymer shell has an upstanding ridge at the top through which was
injected the pressurised gas
and/or the liquid bitumen (or bitumen / additive mixture). That ridge is
pinched for sealing the
shell. A protruding flash 38" remains at the top portion of the pellet
structure, similar to the flash
38' at the bottom. The mold halves are opened to remove the pellet.
Optionally, either or both
flashes can be removed from the pellet by using known flash removal
techniques.
Fig. 50 shows the resulting pellet 300 having shell 320 enclosing liquid
bitumen (or bitumen /
additive mixture) 310, which may be more or less viscous.
Fig. 51 shows a variant of Fig. 50, where the pellet 300b has a shell 320 and
an internal web
structure, which essentially partitions the internal space in the shell in 2
compartments, each internal
compartment being filled with liquid bitumen 310. The person of skill will
readily understand that a
pellet variant may include an internal web structure which partitions the
internal space in more than
2 compartments.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
The advantage of partitioning the pellet in several compartments is twofold.
First, the internal
partition rigidifies the pellet, thus making it more crush and impact
resistant. A shell with an internal
web structure can be made by extruding a multi-lumen parison within the
moulding cavity.
In a possible variant, the blow-fill-seal process described above can be
supplemented with the
additional step of creating an overpressure in the pellet shell such as to
ensure that the formed pellet
would retains its shape under load. Naturally, the process for manufacturing
the shell is designed
such that the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the overpressure over
time. Typical polymers
that can be used for making the shell have a high tensile resistance and the
resulting shell can sustain
a large pressure differential that prevents the shell from buckling when the
pellet is subjected to a
compressive force.
If the shell is pressurized a small positive pressure (e.g., up to about 15
psig) in the formed shell
could suffice to resist shell deformation. As external pressure applied to the
shell increases, for
example arising during transport or storage, the resulting deformation will
produce an increase in the
internal pressure of the pellet to compensate the pressure from the outside.
Therefore, a high degree
of initial overpressure is not required.
Even when the shell is not over pressurized, in other words the internal
pressure is the same as the
external pressure at rest, as long as the shell is hermetically sealed an
internal over pressurization will
occur naturally as the shell is subjected to an external compression, as a
result of a momentary
impact against a surface or when a constant loading is applied on the pellet.
The resulting shell
deformation will create an over pressurization which will compensate to at
least some extent the
external load. The higher the loading, the higher the over pressurization will
be which makes it
possible to use a thinner shell. As long as the shell manifests the necessary
burst strength, a
relatively thin shell can withstand a significant loading.
An ancillary advantage of using a hermetically sealed shell is to reduce the
exposure of the
bituminous core to ambient oxygen in order to slow down or eliminate oxygen
induced degradation
of the bituminous material. From that perspective, the polymeric material that
is selected for
making the shell should be one that has a low oxygen transmission rate.
Another factor, which
determines the ability of the shell to reduce the ingress of oxygen, is the
gas-tightness of the
different seal crimps or closures of the shell. In other words, the
manufacturing process should be
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
fine-tuned to provide crimp seals or closures that are sufficiently strong to
remain gas-tight even
when the shell is subjected to a loading.
One possibility to create the overpressure in the pellet shell in the absence
of an external loading
which compresses the shell is to inject pressurized gas into the shell at some
point of the blow
molding or filling process to create the desired degree of overpressure and
then seal the shell to
maintain the overpressure.
Another possible variant is to provide the shell outer surface with
irregularities to control the
mobility of shells one with relation to another. Those irregularities can be
used to form a non-slip
surface, which will make it less likely for pellets to roll back on conveyor
belts or other automatic
handling equipment. The irregularities can be formed by machining the mold
cavity with the proper
pattern.
Fig. 52 is a flowchart of another process variant for applying a shell on the
pellet. In this variant, at
step 5810, the shell is formed using form-fill-seal technology. Typically, in
form-fill-seal technology
manufacturing processes, a tube is formed from a film and then filled with
bitumen (or bitumen /
additive mixture). In one example of implementation a single film layer is
used to form the tube.
The film layer in a planar condition is directed toward a conical mandrel,
which is called the forming
tube. The reader will understand that this film may be provided directly from
the outlet of an
extruder or unwound from a roll.
When the center of the film is near the forming tube, the outer edges of the
film form flaps that are
progressively wrapped around the forming tube in order to form the film in a
tubular structure in
which the longitudinal edge portions overlap. The tubular structure is pulled
downward around the
outside of the forming tube and a vertically extending heat-sealing bar
pinches the overlapping edge
portions tubular structure against the forming tube to create a "fin seal",
thus bonding the
overlapping areas of film to each other to form a seam. A horizontal sealing
bar creates a bottom
crimp seal by pinching the tube horizontally, bonding the film together, and
cutting off any film
below. This sealing bar can be on a fixed height, which is called an
intermittent sealing process.
Faster systems include a sealing bar that moves down with the bag while
sealing. This is called a
continuous process.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As described herein, a crimp seal can, thus, be formed by applying heat and
pressure to the opposing
walls of the shell that are to be joined.
At step 5820, liquid bitumen (or bitumen / additive mixture) is injected into
the shell formed by the
film tube. The amount of liquid bitumen (or bitumen / additive mixture) is
metered through the
forming tube in the center of the bag.
At step 5830, the horizontal sealing bar seals the top of the shell,
simultaneously forming the bottom
seal of the next shell above. This filled shell is then cut off from the tube
and is now a pellet.
Advantageously, shrink film may be used as the shell material and the process
may include the
addition of an optional step 5440 where a radiant heat source can be used to
shrink wrap the film to
the bitumen-based core after filling and sealing.
During the final sealing process step 5830, the shell may be further filled
with pressurised air from a
blower or from an inert gas supply, such as nitrogen, creating an overpressure
in the pellet such as to
ensure that the formed pellet would retains its shape under load.
An example of a form-fill-seal apparatus that can be used to implement the
process of Fig. 52 is
shown at Fig. 53.
A form-fill-seal apparatus 5900 that makes bitumen pellets 300 includes a
vertical hollow conical
forming tube 5940. The apparatus 5900 includes a film supply station 5964 that
feeds a layer of film
5950 towards the forming tube 5940. The film supply station 5964 includes a
supply roll feeding a
layer of film 5950 through a series of guide rollers, which direct the film
towards the tube 5940. A
guide structure 5945 adjacent the conical forming tube 5940 progressively
closes the film over the
conical forming tube 5940, essentially wrapping the film around the conical
forming structure 5940
in a way such that the longitudinal edges of the film slightly overlap each
other. The tubular film
structure that is supported and guided over the conical forming tube 5940 is
pulled downward, by a
pair of rotating belts. A vertical heat-sealing bar 5960 clamps overlapping
edges of the film so as to
form a seam. The vertical heat-sealing bar operates on a continuous basis, in
other words it defines a
gap with the surface of the forming tube 5940 and the overlapping edges of the
film are guided in
that gap. As the overlapping edges slide through the gap of the sealing
station 5960 the heat and
applied pressure fuses the overlapping edges to each other, thus forming the
seam.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Note that variations are possible. For example, the bag formed in the process
may be gusseted, or
twisting the bag etc. may perform the sealing. These all fall into the
category of form-fill-sealing.
The film structure downstream the heat-sealing bar 5960 is thus completely
closed peripherally and
it is ready to receive a load of liquid bitumen (or bitumen / additive
mixture). Pressurized bitumen
is pumped through the upper open end of the forming tube 5940 and it is guided
by the forming
tube 5940 toward the peripherally closed tube where it accumulates. Horizontal
sealing bars 5970
create a bottom crimp seal 5980, effectively sealing the bottom of the tube.
The crimp seal is a
double crimp: it has the effect of sealing the upper end of the outgoing
pellet 300 and also the
bottom end of next pellet in line. The crimp seal is such that the tube is
completely severed between
the two crimp seals such as to separate the pellets 300 from each other.
Optionally, the form-fill-seal apparatus 5900 may include a radiant heat
source (now shown)
positioned downstream from the horizontal sealing bars 5970, which can be used
to shrink wrap the
film to the bitumen-based core after filling and sealing.
The structure of the pellet produced by the apparatus 5900 is shown at Fig.
54.
The pellet 300E includes a central bag-shaped portion including a crimp seal
area 5991 at the upper
end and a crimp seal area 5992 at the lower opposite end. The crimp seal areas
5991 and 5992
extend generally transversally to the longitudinal axis of the pellet 300E.
Note that while the crimp
seal areas 5991 and 5992 are shown as being straight, variations are possible.
The crimp seal areas
5991 and 5992 can be oblique with relation to the longitudinal axis or of an
arcuate (either convex or
concave shape). A longitudinal crimp 5993 forming the tube seam runs from the
top crimp seal
5991 to the bottom crimp seal 5992. Note that the longitudinal crimp seal 5993
is sealed at the top
and bottom crimp seals 5991 and 5993, which occurs when the sealing bars 5970
pinch the tube
including the horizontal seam to form the crimp seal.
In a possible variant, the blow-fill-seal process described above can be
modified so as to include a
two stage form-fill-seal process to obtain nested shells. In other words, the
resulting pellet has an
internal (inner) shell and an external (outer) shell. In this variant process,
the liquid bitumen (or
bitumen / additive mixture) is loaded into an internal shell, which
advantageously is made of a thin
polymer film. The resulting sacs are cooled to make them into firmer pieces
that can be handled
with automatic equipment. Note that the structural strength of the internal
shell is not a primary
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
consideration since the equipment handling the bitumen pieces is designed to
avoid overstressing
them. The purpose of the internal shell is primarily to form a non-sticky
surface to avoid the
bitumen pieces from sticking to equipment surfaces and to each other. The
bitumen pieces are then
placed into outer shells made with optionally thicker polymer film. The outer
shells are inflated, such
as by pressing them, followed by a hermetic sealing operation to completely
enclose the bitumen
piece. This is essentially a form-fill-sealing of a liquid stream followed by
a form-fill-sealing of
discrete bitumen pieces. Advantageously, such variant process avoids bitumen
contamination of the
thicker container and/or seal thereof. Also note that it is possible to design
the two-stage form-fill-
seal process such as to place two or more bitumen pieces into a single outer
(external) shell.
Fig. 21 is a flowchart of a process for performing the storage of bitumen in
pelletized form.
Traditionally, bitumen is stored in liquid form into large tanks. The bitumen
is pumped into the tank
and remains there until it is needed. The problem of storing bitumen in liquid
form in a tank is that
the tank can eventually develop a leak, which would create an environmental
hazard. Additionally,
tank storage typically requires heating the bitumen and/or adding diluent to
the bitumen and/or
adapting means heating to the tank so as to keep the bitumen at a viscosity
state which allows
pumping the bitumen out of the tank. The novel methods proposed in this
application perform the
storage of bitumen in solid form. In particular, the bitumen is pelletized by
any one of the methods
and devices described earlier. The resulting pellets are stored at a desired
location and can remain
there indefinitely without risk of leakage. Since the pelletized bitumen
cannot leak, a fluid tight
storage tank is no longer required to hold the bitumen. Any installation, such
as a warehouse or silo
can be used for storing the bitumen pellets, as long as it provides a shelter
to prevent direct exposure
of the pellets to the elements. Alternatively, the pellets can be stored
outside in bulk, optionally
covered by a tarp.
Since the pellets, especially those provided with an external shell, are crush
resistant and also non-
sticky, automatic handling equipment can be used to transfer the pellets to
the storage location and
later to pick up the pellets from the storage location and transport them
elsewhere. Examples of
such handing equipment will be described later.
A factor to take into consideration when storing the bitumen in pelletized
form is to provide storage
conditions in which the pellets will maintain their structural integrity.
Storage temperature is one of
those conditions. Since temperature affects the viscosity of the bitumen core
of the pellet and also
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
the structural integrity of the shell, the storage temperature should be
maintained within the range at
which the pellet remains solid. In practice, the storage temperature would
rarely be an issue because
the temperature at which the pellets begin to lose their structural integrity
is rarely encountered in
practice.
To summarize, the method 2500 of storing pellets includes the step of
providing bitumen in
pelletized form, as illustrated at step 810, followed by placing the pellets
at the desired storage
location at which the temperature is controlled such that the pellets will
remain solid, as illustrated at
step 2520.
The flowchart of Fig. 22 illustrates a different aspect of the storage method,
which takes into
consideration a different factor in order to maintain the structural integrity
of the pellets. The
methods 2600 includes the step 810 of providing the bitumen pellets and then
storing the pellets
(step 2620) while controlling the height of the bulk such as not to exceed the
crush resistance of the
pellets that are at the bottom of the pile. Since the crush resistance of the
pellets is known, or can be
determined by the test disclosed in this application, the maximal height of
the bulk that pellets at the
bottom can carry without breaking up, can be computed. A safety factor can be
applied to this
maximal height computation to take into consideration dynamic forces arising
during the loading or
unloading of the pellets from the bulk.
Fig. 23 illustrates a flow chart showing the main steps of the most common
industrial use of the
bitumen pellets. The flowchart has two main steps including step 810 of
providing bitumen pellets
and step 90 at which the pellets are amalgamated into a coherent bitumen-based
mass that can be
subjected to further processing such as refining.
Fig. 26 illustrates a system for amalgamating pellets into a coherent bitumen-
based mass. The
system 3000 is essentially an extruder that uses heat and mechanical pressure
to shred the pellets and
agglomerate them together. The extruder 3030 includes a feed hopper 3010 in
which pellets 300 are
loaded. The extruder 3030 has an internal screw mechanism 3020 that shreds the
pellets 300 into
small bits, which are then subjected to heat in order to melt the additive(s)
(e.g., polymer or
polymers) that have been used originally to pelletize the bitumen. The
temperature at which the
bitumen/additive(s) mixture is exposed is above the melting temperature of the
additive(s) used. At
that temperature, the additive(s) are mixed with the bitumen and the mixture
is expressed through
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
the outlet of the extruder 3030 at 3430. The mixture at the outlet 3430,
therefore, contains a major
fraction of bitumen and a minor fraction of additive.
The flowchart in Fig. 24 illustrates in greater detail step 90 of the
flowchart of Fig. 23, performed
according to a variant in which the additive (e.g., polymer) in the
bitumen/additive mixture is
removed at least partially before the refining operation. The advantage of
removing the additive
(e.g., polymer), at least partially, is that the refining operation can be
performed without any
modification. There is no need to modify the process such as to recover the
additive (e.g., polymer)
fraction.
One of the concepts underlying the removal of additive from the pellets 300 is
that upon application
of sufficient heat for sufficient time, the pellets liquefy and the resulting
liquid may be further
processed (e.g., heated or processed to induce coalescence) or sent as is to a
vessel for gravity
separation. Alternatively, when the pellets 300 include a shell 320, one can
apply heat on the pellets
according to a three-step process. In a first step, the pellets 300 are pre-
heated to soften the
encapsulating additive. In a second step, the heated pellets are fragmented
into small pieces either
through shears, rollers, grinder or a rotating screw. In a third step, the
small pieces are heated until
one obtains a final hot liquid stream. Further, in order to be more effective
with heat energy
management, the final hot liquid stream (before additive separation) can be
looped back around and
fed into the incoming pellets, thereby acting as a form of heat transfer from
the liquid to the solid
pellets.
Once liquefied, if the heated mixture of additive (e.g., polymer) and bitumen
is undisturbed, the
additive (e.g., polymer) will separate from the bitumen. For example
polyethylene (PE) which has a
lower density than bitumen would cream to the top after a residence time
required for separation in
the separation vessel in the range of about 5 min to about 2h. Advantageously,
the rate and
efficiency separation of the additive may be enhanced by using a cyclone,
centrifuge, in-line
coalescer, or shearing/mixing of the mixture (optionally in the presence of
heat) to induce
coalescence of additive pieces/droplets. The top phase rich in additive (e.g.,
polymer) may be
skimmed off, continuously drained or collected on a screen depending on the
temperature of
operation and additive content. Further settling with or without increase in
temperature and/or use
of a screen may be required to remove as much bitumen from the additive phase
as possible.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
As shown in Fig. 24, step 90 optionally includes the sub-step 2820 at which
the shell is separated
from the bitumen/additive core mixture.
An apparatus for performing the removal of the additive is shown at Fig. 27.
The apparatus 3100
includes the extruder 3030 that was described in connection with Fig. 26. The
difference is that
instead of directing the bitumen/additive (e.g., polymer) mixture at the
outlet 3430 directly to the
inlet of the refining process, the bitumen/additive mixture is directed to a
separator 3260 that
separates the additive from the mixture. In this example of implementation,
the separator 3260
operates on the basis of gravity. Since the bitumen and the additive have
different densities and the
additive has low solubility into bitumen, they will naturally separate from
each other. More
particularly, the separator 3260 includes a vessel with an inlet in which is
discharged the mixture
bitumen/additive. The vessel has 2 outlets 3404 and 3402. The outlet 3402
releases the heavier
fraction of the mixture bitumen/additive, which is the bitumen. The outlet
3404 releases the lighter
fraction, which is the additive. While not shown here, as discussed
previously, in order to enhance
the rate and efficiency of separation of the additive, a device to induce
coalescence of additive
droplets can receive the mixture from the outlet 3430 upstream of the
separator 3260, process the
mixture (optionally with the addition of heat), and then the processed mixture
is directed to the
separator 3260.
An internal partition 3264 separates the vessel into zones, the 1st zone which
is the largest is
associated with the outlet 3402 while the 2nd zone which is the smaller one is
associated with the
outlet 3404. The partition 3264 leaves a gap 3266, defined between the top of
the partition and the
vessel inner top wall through which material in the larger zone of the vessel
can overflow in the
smaller zone. Note that this description is intended as a generalized
explanation of gravity
separation. In practice, the apparatus for performing the process would need
to be designed by
taking into consideration the high viscosity of the different materials and
may require pressurized
vessels and mechanical conveying devices that can displace highly viscous
streams.
Although not shown in the drawings, it will be understood that each one of the
outlets 3404 and
3402 are provided with suitable valves that can selectively control the flow
of material through the
outlets.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
In operation, the mixture bitumen/additive is released into the vessel. The
level of fill is selected
such that it is slightly below the top of the partition 3264. The mixture is
allowed to settle for some
time; the additive fraction and the bitumen fraction will separate into
layers, with the additive
fraction floating on the bitumen fraction, as it is less dense. Once the
separation has been made,
additional mixture is introduced in the vessel, which raises the level of fill
and causes the additive
layer to overflow in the 2nd smaller zone. The additive can be extracted from
the outlet 3404
periodically. Similarly, by periodically opening the valve at the outlet 3402,
bitumen is removed from
the vessel. The reader will understand that the additive fraction may include
a mixture of more than
one polymer (e.g., a mixture of LDPE and HDPE) resulting, for example, from
using one polymer
in the shell and another polymer in the core.
Note that during the separation process, heat must be applied to the vessel
such as to maintain the
various fractions of the mixture, in particular the additive (e.g., polymer),
in a liquid state.
Fig. 25 is a flowchart of a variant of the process for separating the additive
(e.g., polymer) from the
mixture bitumen/additive. The variant is characterized by the fact that it is
less energy intensive as it
does not require melting the entire additive in the pellets before a
separation can be performed. The
process 2900 includes the step 2910, which consist of providing bitumen
pellets with a shell, as
described earlier in this application. At step 2920 the pellets are processed
such as to mechanically
remove the shells from the pellets, thus separating the pellets into shells on
the one hand and cores
on the other hand. Then, the cores are processed as described above in
connection with step 90 to
separate the bitumen from the additive intermixed therewith.
Step 2920 can include a pre-heat treatment of the pellets to a specific
temperature so as to reach the
softening point of the additive. By doing so, the shell softens and can be
readily crushed and or
shredded by exertion of relatively small amount of force. Breaking or cutting
of the packaging/shell
additive releases the filling (bitumen/additive mixture) that is liquid-like
at that temperature. The
shredded additive material in the case of a thicker shell will float in the
liquefied mixture and
transferred in the liquid in the form of a slurry. The heating and breaking of
the pellets can be
performed in a heated extruder type unit or a shredder with pre-heating e.g.,
with a sharp screw
cutting through the softened shell, for example a screw auger. The pieces of
the broken shell float in
the liquefied filling stream at the outlet of the shell removal unit. These
pieces can be collected on a
screen or skimmed off of the top after gravity settling. The pieces are coated
with a layer of bitumen
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
that may be effectively washed from the surface using a hydrocarbon solvent
upon cooling. The
same system may be used to break down the pellets and melt them if a thin film
(either co-extruded
or deposited) or bag is used as the shell material. An apparatus for
performing step 2920 is
illustrated at Fig. 28. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt that supplies
pellets 300 at a separator
station 3110. The pellets 300 include cores 310 and shells 320. The separator
station 3110 operates
to mechanically break the shells 320 and express the bitumen cores 310. That
operation is
performed by mechanical action and also by the selective application of heat.
More specifically, the separator 3110 includes a screen 3120 and an outlet
3240 through which is
recovered the bitumen. While not shown in the drawings, the separator station
3110 includes a
piston, which compresses the pellets 300 against the screen 3120. The
temperature during this
compression operation is controlled such as to be high enough in order to
decrease the viscosity of
the bitumen as much as possible while not surpassing the melting point of the
shell. To achieve this
objective, the use of two different types of polymers, one for mixing with the
bitumen and another
for making the shell 320 is advantageous. By using a polymer for making the
shell 320 which has a
higher melting temperature, it is possible to elevate the process temperature
at a level which is above
the melting temperature of the polymer in the cores 310 while being below the
melting temperature
of the shells 320. In this fashion, the viscosity of the cores 310 is reduced
and at the same time, the
shells 320 remain solid.
When the mechanical piston applies pressure on the pellets 300 at that
temperature, the shells 320
will crack open allowing the bitumen/additive (e.g., polymer) mixture in the
cores 310 to ooze out
and be expressed through the outlet 3240. When the compression cycle is
completed and the piston
reaches the end of its travel, the cracked shells 320 are retained inside the
screen 3120, while the
majority of the bitumen has been recovered through the outlet 3240.
The piston is then retracted and the shells 320 are removed to clean the
screen 3120. The apparatus
is then ready for another cycle of operation.
The advantage of the apparatus at Fig. 28 is that it requires a lesser amount
of energy to separate the
additive (e.g., polymer) from the bitumen in that no melting of the shells 320
is required as they are
mechanically separated from the bitumen cores 310.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Note that the bitumen released from the outlet 3240 still contains additive
(e.g., polymer). That
additive can be removed by using the apparatus illustrated at Fig. 27.
Fig. 57 illustrates another apparatus for performing the removal of the
additive. The apparatus 6200
includes a feed hopper 3010 in which pellets 300 are loaded. The apparatus
6200 also includes an in-
line shredder 6270 that shreds the pellets 300 into small bits. Prior to
shredding a batch of incoming
pellets, however, the apparatus 6200 feeds through inlet 6280 hot liquid
bitumen / additive mixture
onto the batch of incoming pellets, where the mixture is at a temperature
sufficient to soften the
pellet additive. The hot liquid mixture is diverted from the outlet 6230 of
the apparatus 6200 and it
is heated at a temperature close to the softening point of the additive. The
incoming pellets and the
diverted mixture pass through the in-line shredder 6270, which cuts the
pellets in small bits. The hot
mixture facilitates the shredding operation by softening the pellets. The
shredded pellets are
delivered to an auger 6240 leading to a screen 6210 that filters out shredded
shell material, which can
be recovered at outlet 6220. The bitumen/additive mixture passing through the
screen 6210 is
recovered at the outlet 6230, and contains a major fraction of liquid bitumen
and a minor fraction of
additive. A portion of the bitumen / additive mixture is diverted back, as
described above while the
rest of the mixture is further heated to above the melting point of the
additive and sent into a
separator 3260' for separation of bitumen and additive. While not shown here,
as discussed
previously with respect to apparatus 3100, in order to enhance the rate and
efficiency separation of
the additive, a device to induce coalescence of droplets in the bitumen phase
can receive the mixture
from the outlet 6230 upstream of the separator 3260', process the mixture
(optionally with the
addition of heat), and then the processed mixture is directed to the separator
3260'. The separator
3260' can be similar in structure to the separator 3260 described previously.
The separated fractions
exit through outlets 3402 and 3404.
Fig. 29 illustrates a flowchart of a process for recycling the additive when
this additive is a polymer,
which is recovered when the bitumen is extracted from the bitumen pellet
before the refining
process. The polymer has economic value and can be reused for pelletizing
bitumen again or for
another purpose.
The process 3300 includes the step 810 of providing bitumen pellets, the step
820 of transporting
the pellets to a remote location, and the step 90 of processing the pellets to
recover the bitumen
such that it can be processed further as into a refinery. The step 90 includes
the optional sub
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
step 2820 at which the shell can be removed from the pellets for instance by
using the apparatus
shown at Fig. 28. Next, at least a portion of the additive (e.g., polymer) is
separated from the
bitumen mixture at step 960, by solvent-assisted extraction or by gravity
separation by using the
apparatus shown in Fig. 27 or Fig. 57.
The additive (e.g., polymer) recovered from sub step 2820 and/or from step 960
can be reused. One
option, illustrated by step 3380 is to transport the additive (e.g., polymer)
back to the same or a
different pelletizing site where it can be reused to pelletize bitumen again.
For convenience, the
recovered additive (e.g., polymer) can be processed to grind into fine
particles, and pelletized into
solid beads which are easier to transport. The additive (e.g., polymer) is
then loaded into containers,
ships, railcars or trucks and shipped back to the pelletizing site where it is
reused.
Another option, as shown by the step 3360 is to sell the additive (e.g.,
polymer) locally. This option
may be preferred if transporting the additive (e.g., polymer) back to the
pelletizing site is too
inconvenient or not sufficiently economical.
Fig. 30 to Fig. 37 each illustrates different ways for handling and
transporting pellets 300 in bulk.
As shown in Fig. 30, the pellets 300 are carried in freight railcars 245. The
railcars shown are of the
gondola type, which is normally used to transport loose bulk commodities. The
railcars 245 are open
top railcars; they have no roof, thus allowing loading and unloading the bulk
material from the top.
The system 3400 includes equipment to load the railcars 245 which includes a
mechanized
loader 3410, which has a scoop mounted on an articulated boom. The loader 3410
operates the
scoop to either load or unload the railcars 245. It will be understood that
the ability of the pellets to
resist crushing and their non-stick surfaces makes this operation possible.
Otherwise, they will stick
to each other and also adhere to the walls of the railcars 245 and also to the
equipment for loading
and unloading them, thus making the operation more complicated and
uneconomical.
Fig. 31 illustrates a variant system 3500 in which the freight railcars 245
are unloaded from the
bottom by using a mechanized conveyor system 3510. The railcars 245 are
equipped at the bottom
with discharge gates (not shown in the drawings) that allow discharging the
contents of the
railcars 245 by gravity. In this example, the discharge gate is located above
the end of a mechanized
conveyor 3510 that transports the pellets 300 discharged from the gate and
accumulates the
pellets 300 on a heap. This operation is made possible due to the fact that
the pellets 300 can flow in
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
bulk under the effect of gravity; they will not stick to each other or to the
equipment, which
otherwise would make the flow impossible.
Fig. 32 illustrates another option of system 3600 for unloading a freight
railcar 245 that also relies on
gravity. In this example, the freight railcar 245 is mounted on a rotary
structure 3610 that can rotate
the car 245 about its longitudinal axis, essentially flipping it over such
that its contents flow out
through the top and accumulate on a heap. Again, the ability to unload the
railcar 245 by flipping it
over is made possible by the non-stick/crush resistance properties of the
pellets 300, which
otherwise would stick to the walls of the railcar 245 and/or would crush when
dropped from the
railcar onto the heap.
Fig. 33 illustrates yet another possible method 3700 for unloading the
railcars 245 which uses gravity
assisted by vacuum. The railcars 245 have discharge gates 3740 which connect
to a collection
system 3710. The collection system 3710 has a series of inlets 3720 that
connect to respective
discharge gates 3740 of the railcars 245. Vacuum is created in the collection
system 3710 such that
the pellets 300 are sucked away from the railcars 245 through the discharge
gates 3740. The
pellets 300 are ejected from an outlet shown by the arrow. As mentioned above,
the ability of the
pellets to resist crushing forces and to resist adhering to each other or to
the equipment makes this
form of handling possible.
Fig. 34 illustrates a method 3800 for unloading a freighter 345. The method
involves a mechanized
conveyor 3810 that reaches into the cargo bay of the freighter 345 to carry
the pellets 300 and
accumulate them on a heap.
Fig. 35 illustrates a variant 3900 for transporting pellets 300 that includes
freight railcar 245, which is
protected by a liner 3910 to prevent the walls of the railcar 245 from being
soiled by bitumen
released from the pellets 300. Although the pellets are intended to be crush
resistant and non-
adherent, some parts of a pellet 300 can chip away exposing the bitumen core
that can stick to the
walls of the railcar 245. In addition, some dust or loose particles from the
pellets 300 will likely
accumulate at the bottom of the railcar 245. This is undesirable since the
railcar isn't likely to be
reserved only for transporting bitumen pellets 300. In most instances, the
railcar 245 is likely to be
used to carry different commodities, which may be polluted by the bitumen
residue. For that reason,
a liner 3910 is used that will collect all residue and avoid the necessity of
cleaning the railcar 245
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
after the pellets 300 have been unloaded. Although the installation and the
removal of the liner 3910
constitute additional operations, they may be preferred over the necessity to
clean the railcar walls.
Fig. 36 illustrates schematically a railcar 4010, which is provided with a
temperature sensing system
to identify potentially hazardous conditions during which the bitumen pellets
might be exposed to
high temperatures and may start liquefying. Although these situations are
unlikely to occur in
practice due to the large temperature range at which the pellets remain solid,
there may be some
applications where such warning system is useful. For instance, as discussed
earlier it is possible to
reduce the amount of additive added to the bitumen in instances where the
bitumen pellets will be
transported at very low temperatures, such as during wintertime. When the
pellets will remain at a
low temperature less additive is needed since the low temperatures will keep
the bitumen/additive
mixture highly viscous. This option is economically interesting for two
reasons. First, less additive is
required to pelletize the bitumen. Second, less energy is required to recover
the bitumen before
refining it since less additive needs to be brought to its melting
temperature.
However, if low temperature is being relied upon to maintain the pellets in
solid form, there may be
instances during which the train crew may not be able to fully control the
temperature; the
temperature may increase sufficiently during an unexpectedly warm weather to
soften the pellets
enough such that they start sticking to each other or to the walls of the
equipment.
The temperature sensing system 4030 includes one or more temperature sensing
probes that sense
the temperature inside the cargo area 4020 of the railcar 4010. If the
temperature exceeds a
threshold, the temperature sensing system 4030 sounds an alarm. The alarm can
be communicated
to the crew of the train, preferably wirelessly or through a wayside detector
system, to let them know
that the pelletized bitumen is softening. Optionally, the railcar 4010 may
include an emergency
cooling system, operating on the basis of the refrigeration cycle to cool the
cargo area of the
railcar 4010 sufficiently and avoid the pellets from melting. While the
temperature sensing
system 4030 has been shown in the context of sensing the temperature inside
the cargo area 4020 of
a railcar 4010, it will be understood that the temperature sensing system 4030
can also be
implemented in the context of sensing the temperature inside the cargo area of
a maritime vessel or
of a truck.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Fig. 37 illustrates a variant of a cooling system, which is simpler and is
based on airflow. The
railcar 4010' includes vents 4114 and 4112 that can create an airflow through
the cargo area 4020'
such as to lower the temperature of the cargo area when the train is in
motion. Note that the
vents 4114 and 4112 should be made small enough to avoid the pellets from
flying out on the vents.
One option is to provide the vents with a screen that will permit airflow but
will block the egress of
the pellets. Again, a similar cooling system can be adapted for implementing
in the cargo area of a
maritime vessel or of a truck.
Examples
Details of specific practical implementation of the present disclosure will be
further described in the
following examples.
In the following examples, there are described experimental studies to
determine the impact of
addition of a polymer on the properties of bitumen, assess the separation
efficiency of polymer from
bitumen at elevated temperature, quantify the entrained bitumen in polymer
upon gravity separation
at elevated temperature, and evaluate the quality of the bitumen separated
from the polymer phase.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
1. Materials
The materials used in the following experimental studies are detailed in Table
1 below:
Table 1
Material Source
Naphthalene
Paraffin Wax
Polyethylene Wax
Beeswax
Polyethylene Glycol Wax
Soap
Polycaprolactone
Polyethylene-co-vinyl Acetate (PEVA)
Polypropylene (PP)
LDPE Glad Plastic Wrap
LDPE DOW 959S
Thermoplatic Poly Olefin DOW 8402
DPE DOW DNDB1077
HDPE
Bitumen Fort McKay
Toluene Fisher, Reagent Grade
Where LDPE means "Low-density polyethylene", TPO means "thermoplastic
polyolefin", LLDPE
means "Linear low-density polyethylene" and HDPE means "High-density
polyethylene". Bitumen
is typical cleaned bitumen from SAGD operation, and having an initial boiling
point of about 200 C.
The toluene used had >99% purity.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Out of the above listed materials, PEVA and PP both performed relatively well
in providing
structural strength to bitumen when used as an additive compound. Optimization
of their
performance as additive compound in the herein described solidification
process may be performed
by proper selection of polymer grades, e.g., in case of PEVA: the vinyl
acetate content for lower
adsorption capacity and in case of PP: a grade with a higher plasticizer
content for higher impact
resistance.
Various grades of polyethylene (PE) demonstrated all the main properties
identified for a desirable
additive for the reversible solidification of bitumen. They showed adequate
compatibility with
bitumen and consistently increase the viscosity of bitumen upon addition and
the PE/bitumen
mixtures showed solid-like behavior at room temperature at a high enough level
of polymer content.
Despite the adequate miscibility of PE/bitumen mixtures, even at low polymer
contents, such
mixtures readily separated into two phases in a matter of minutes once heated
to >100 C and left
undisturbed. Overall, polyethylene such as LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE showed low
cost, low
solubility, good structural strength, good separation, and relatively low
melting point.
2. Methods
2.1. Solubility of Polymer in Bitumen and in Organic Solvents
Solubility of polymer LDPE was first tested in organic solvents toluene and n-
decane.
In order to test the solubility of polymer in toluene at room temperature,
0.020 g of low-density
polyethylene (LDPE) was added to 200 g of toluene (0.01 wt.% LDPE in toluene)
and the mixture
was heated to 80 C to solubilize a fraction of the polymer in the solvent.
Once the mixture was
cooled to room temperature the liquid phase turned milky indicating that a
fraction of the
solubilized polymer had precipitated. Therefore, the solubility of LDPE in
toluene at room
temperature was determined to be lower than 0.01 wt.%.
A similar procedure was followed to determine the solubility of LDPE in n-
decane. 0.01 wt.%
LDPE (in pellet form) was added to n-decane and the mixture was heated to >100
C before a
significant decrease in the size of the pellet was observed (indicating
dissolution of the pellet in the
solvent). The mixture turned turbid as it cooled to below 80 C indicating
precipitation of polymer
and a solubility less than 0.01 wt.%.
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Solubility of LDPE was then tested in bitumen.
To determine the solubility of LDPE in bitumen at 150 C, 20 g of polymer was
added to 80 g of
bitumen (20 wt.%) and the mixture was heated to 150 C and held at that
temperature for 2 h. The
bitumen phase was then drained and analyzed for polymer content using the
method described in
the next section. The concentration of LDPE polymer in the bitumen phase
obtained at 150 C was
<0.03 wt.%. This indicates a very low solubility of LDPE in bitumen at the
elevated temperatures
tested for efficient mixing of polymer and bitumen.
2.2. Analysis of the polymer content in bitumen/polymer mixtures
To quantitate polymer content in bitumen/polymer mixtures, a series of
polymer/bitumen mixtures
with known polymer content were prepared. Each sample was then solvent-
extracted using toluene.
Briefly, the polymer/bitumen mixture was mixed with toluene at a ratio of 1:5
¨ 1:10 (mass sample:
mass toluene, where the ratio of added toluene was higher for samples with
higher polymer content)
and filtered using a 0.2 p.m (nominal pore size) filter. The amount of polymer
recovered after drying
in the fume hood for 24 h was quantitated and compared to the amount of
polymer used to prepare
the sample. The results are provided in Table 2:
Table 2
Polymer Content Deviation
Sample #
In Prepared Sample From Analysis 0/0
1 0.50% 0.58% 16.0
2 1.0% 1.08% 8.0
3 1.0% 1.05% 5.0
4 16.6% 16.3% -1.8
40% 41.4% 3.5
6 40% 43.8% 9.5
As shown in table 2, the estimated polymer contents are in most cases within
10% of the original
value. The polymer contents appear to be consistently overestimated, as
expected, because some of
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the entrained bitumen could not be accessed by the solvent at room
temperature. The entrained
bitumen in the polymer phase would cause a positive error in the polymer
content estimated based
on the total weight of the separated polymer phase. Nevertheless, the obtained
results indicate the
adequacy of the developed method for estimating the polymer content in
bitumen/polymer for the
purpose of this study.
2.3. Analysis of the bitumen/polymer mixture
Samples prepared for demonstration and characterization purposes were
subjected to compression
and impact to demonstrate the possibility of producing solidified bitumen
samples with reasonable
levels of durability using polyethylene as an additive and/or shell material.
Quantitative assessment of some non-mechanical properties relevant to
transportation of bitumen as
a solid was performed. The analyses performed include: determination of the
impact of polymer
addition on the flash point of bitumen, and determination of the impact of
polymer content on the
viscosity of the mixture with 0.5 wt.% polymer addition. The viscosity
measurements demonstrated
the decrease in the mobility of the material upon addition of small quantities
of polymer, which is of
particular interest for pellets with thicker shells.
2.4. Preparation and separation of polymer/bitumen mixtures
The samples were prepared by mixing a premeasured amount of polymer (in most
cases in the form
of beads) with 100-150 g of bitumen in a 250 ml glass jar at an elevated
temperature. To minimize
the loss of lighter hydrocarbons vaporized during the heating and cooling
cycles, the glass jar was
covered by a lid equipped with tight hole for insertion of the mixer shaft and
the thermocouple. The
mixture was heated to 140-145 C on a hot plate while mixing at 250 rpm and
held at that
temperature for 15-30 min until the polymer beads (or pieces) would not be
visible on the top once
the mixing was stopped for 10-15 seconds. Subsequently, the heating was
stopped and the mixture
was then cooled to about 80 C while mixing at 80 rpm for sampling.
In order to assess the effectiveness of gravity settling for separation of the
polymer from the
bitumen, the prepared mixture was transferred to a capped separator funnel and
heated in an oven at
a set temperature for a period of time of from 30 min to 1 hr. The polymer
phase samples were
scraped from the top phase of the funnel upon cooling to about 80 C and the
separated bitumen
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samples were obtained from the bottom of the funnel through the sampling
valve. For enhanced
separation using a screen, a special sealed set-up was designed and
fabricated. The system consisted
of two glass jars that were sealed together with an internally threaded
cylinder and Teflon gasket
system that could allow placing a steel mesh disc between the jars. The
bitumen/polymer mixture
was added to one of the jars prior to assembly. The sealed unit was then
placed in an oven and
inverted in order to pass the liquid bitumen through the mesh while leaving
the separated polymer
behind.
2.5 Analysis of the separated bitumen
The following analyses were performed on both the original bitumen and the
bitumen obtained after
polymer separation to determine the impact of residual polymer and the
separation process on the
quality of bitumen.
Test Method Parameter
ASTM D3828, Procedure B Flash Point
Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) g 25 C
ASTM D445 Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) g 50 C
Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) g 149 C
ASTM D4807 Sediment In Crude (Filtration), ppm
API Gravity, API g 15 C
ASTM D5002 Relative Density g 15 C
Absolute Density g 15 C, kg/m3
ASTM D5853 Pour Point, C / F
ASTM D6304 Water content, mass%
ASTM D664M Total Acid Number, mgKOH/g
ASTM D7169 Simulated Distillation ( C), mass% off
GL-59 Asphaltenes, C5 Insolubles, mass%
Furthermore, the boiling point distribution of the bitumen entrained in the
polymer phase after
gravity separation was also analyzed to determine whether certain fractions of
bitumen were
preferentially sorbed by the polymer phase.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
3. Results
3.1. Effect of polymer addition on the viscosity of bitumen
The viscosity (at 25 C and 50 C) of original bitumen and bitumen/LDPE mixtures
is reported in
Table 3. Addition of 2 wt.% polymer (on bitumen basis) to the bitumen
increases the viscosity by
¨60% while adding 5 wt.% polymer more than doubles the viscosity. The mixture
also shows some
non-Newtonian behaviour and has a higher viscosity at lower shear rates. The
product has the
appearance of a paste with significantly decreased mobility compared to the
original bitumen. The
viscosity of bitumen and bitumen/polymer mixtures at 25 C and 50 C is shown in
Table 3.
Table 3
% Increase in Viscosity
LDPE Viscosity, cP
over original Bitumen
Content
25 C 50 C 25 C 50 C
0 201600 8836
2 wt.% 335300 13900 66% 57%
wt. /0 469100 20220 133% 129%
The high intrinsic viscosity of bitumen limits the tendency of this material
to spread upon spillage or
release. Emulsifying a small amount of polymer in bitumen further reduces the
mobility of this
material limiting the risks involved in possible release of the material to
the surrounding
environment in the case of an accident. It is noteworthy that the increase in
the viscosity caused by
addition of 2-5 wt.% of polymer is almost an order of magnitude larger than
the expected increase
from emulsification of an inert material in oil indicating strong interactions
between bitumen and
emulsified polymer droplets.
3.2. Effect of polymer addition on the flash point of bitumen
The flash point of the original bitumen and bitumen/LDPE mixture was measured
using
ASTM D3828 in order to determine if the addition of polymer would have an
effect on the
dangerous goods classification of the product.
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Under Part 2 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations of
Canada, a flammable
liquid is defined as a liquid that has a flashpoint less than or equal to 60 C
(using a closed cup
method) or is expected to be at a temperature greater than or equal to its
flash point at any time
while in transport. Flammable liquids are assigned to one of the following
packing groups for the
purpose of transportation based on thresholds for initial boiling point (IBP)
and flashpoint (FP):
a) Packing Group I: initial boiling point of 35 C or less at an absolute
pressure of 101.3 kPa and
any flash point;
b) Packing Group II: initial boiling point greater than 35 C at an absolute
pressure of 101.3 kPa
and a flash point less than 23 C; or
c) Packing Group III: if the criteria for inclusion in Packing Group I or
II are not met.
The results of the flashpoint test are reported in Table 4.
Flash Point ( C), ASTM
Sample
D3828, Procedure B
Bitumen 141.5
Bitumen + 5 wt.%
147.5
LDPE
Both the bitumen and the bitumen/LDPE mixtures have a flashpoint >60'; thus,
neither product
would be classified as a flammable liquid. It is to be noted that addition of
LDPE polymer to
bitumen increases the flash point of the mixture of bitumen / polymer relative
to that one of the
bitumen without addition of polymer by at least 4%.
4. Separation of polymer and bitumen
For removal of the polymer from bitumen, the mixture was heated and the phases
were allowed to
separate under gravity, allowing the mixture to split into a polymer rich
phase on top and a bitumen
rich phase at the bottom. Once the mixture turned fluid at a temperature
higher than 100 C, the
polymer almost immediately creamed to the top of the liquid as a result of its
lower density.
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However, depending on the shear used for the initial mixing of the polymer and
the bitumen, 0.5-1.5
wt.% of polymer may remain in the bitumen phase after 30 minutes of settling.
Fig. 38 shows a microscopic image of the cross section of the bottom phase of
a mixture comprising
wt.% polymer (LDPE) in bitumen after 30 minutes of settling at 100 C. The
bitumen rich phase in
the image contains 1.5 wt.% LDPE. As shown in the image, almost all the
polymer droplets that
remain suspended in the bitumen have a diameter of less than 20 p.m as a
result of high shear
mixing. For a droplet that small to separate effectively under gravity the
required time is in the order
of several hours.
In order to decrease the time required for polymer/bitumen separation and the
content of residual
polymer in the bitumen phase, either dispersion of fine polymer droplets needs
to be avoided or
coalescence of such droplets needs to be induced. Using a polymer with a
higher melt viscosity and
interfacial tension or mixing at a lower shear for a longer period would avoid
dispersion of fine
droplets in the bitumen phase. Coalescence of polymer droplets can be enhanced
by high shear
mixing of the polymer bitumen mixture at moderately elevated temperatures (100-
120 C) prior to
gravity separation to increase the probability and energy of droplet
collisions. The effectiveness of
both of these strategies is reflected in the results reported in Table 5,
which shows the polymer
content in the bottom (bitumen rich) phase after gravity settling of
bitumen/polymer mixtures at
elevated temperature. The polymer content in the bitumen phase was decreased
to 0.3-0.5 wt.% by
using a low shear rate during mixing and inducing coalescence by high shear
mixing at moderate
temperatures during the re-melting of the mixture.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Table 5
Polymer Content
Sample
Preparation Separation Before After
Settling Settling
1 Mixed at low shear at 65 C on Screen 10% 0.51%
High shear mixing: 5min,140 C -
2 Mixed at high shear 5% 0.26%
30 min settling* at 100 C
High shear mixing: 5min,110 C -
3-1 0.47%
45 min settling* at 100 C
Mixed at high shear 2%
Same as previous, closer to
3-2 0.49%
interface**
Wrapped in a 0.5 Heated to 130 C to melt polymer
4 3% 0.31%
mil LDPE film and sampled
*Settling was performed in a separatory funnel and the samples were obtained
by drainage from
the bottom of the funnel at the end of the settling time.
**Sampled obtained from a higher position in the separatory funnel closer to
the top phase.
As mentioned earlier, the polymer creams to the top of the mixture at elevated
temperature. The
polymer content of the creamed phase upon gravity separation is tabulated in
Table 6. Sample #1
was collected directly from the top of the creamed phase upon gravity
separation and has a polymer
content of <30%. However, when the collected polymer phase is transferred to a
separate jar to
continue separation at the same temperature the bitumen can drain more
effectively from the
polymer phase to reach a polymer content of about 40%. Drainage through a
screen can further
decrease the bitumen content and produce a mixture with more than 50% polymer.
The best results
were obtained when the top polymer rich phase was collected and heated to a
high enough
temperature to melt the polymer and decrease the viscosity of the polymer
phase to release as much
of the entrained bitumen as possible. This is the case for sample #5 which was
separated at 150 C
and produced a separate polymer with less than 1/3 bitumen.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Table 6
Separation
Draining Polymer Content in creamed
Gravity Settling top phase
Sample # Temperature on a
Time
( C) screen
Before Settling After Settling
1 100 60 min No 5% 27.9%
30 min + 30 min
2 100 No 10% 38.1%
for polymer phase
3 90 30 min 30 min 3% 58.8%
4 115 30 min 30 min 5% 58.6%
30 min + 30 min
5* 150 No 10% 67.8%
for polymer phase
*For Sample #5 the original mixture was heated to 100 C and separated by
gravity settling for
30 min. The top phase (polymer rich) was then collected and left in a separate
container at
150 C for 30 min before sampling of the top phase.
Washing of these bitumen contaminated polymer samples with toluene was shown
to decrease the
bitumen content of the polymer phase to <10-20 /o.
To summarize, the amount of bitumen entrained in the polymer after gravity
separation only, can be
lowered to about 30 wt.% of the mixture (30 g of bitumen in 70 g of polymer).
The reported
bitumen content is for the phase produced by separation of emulsified polymer
droplets. The level
of entrainment would be significantly lower for the shredded shell material
not heated to above the
melting point of the polymer. If the polymer phase is recycled in the process,
the overall loss of
bitumen in this process can be <1% depending on the rate of polymer addition
and the fresh
bitumen requirement.
Despite containing some bitumen, the separated polymer shows satisfactory
structural strength and
does not have the tendency to stick to surfaces upon cooling to room
temperature and may
therefore be formed into beads or pellets and recycled to be used again in a
similar process.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Testing has shown that entrainment of some bitumen in the polymer phase does
not have a
measurable impact on the properties and quality of the separated bitumen, i.e.
preferential sorption
of certain components of bitumen by the polymer is insignificant. The polymer
separated may be
rinsed or mixed with a hydrocarbon solvent to remove the extra bitumen. If the
polymer is washed,
it needs to be dried at elevated temperature to recover the solvent prior to
preparing the polymer for
recycling (i.e., in the form of pellets/beads/ shredded pieces) or local sale.
The solvent in the
bitumen washed off of the polymer is recovered and the dried bitumen can be
added to the final
bitumen product. If the final product is diluted bitumen (e.g., bitumen with
the addition of 30%
solvent, which is the product most commonly delivered to refineries) and the
diluent is used for
washing, there is no need to recover the solvent from the bitumen.
Finally, the bitumen rich phase obtained by shearing the polyethylene/bitumen
mixture at a
temperature of from 100 C to 120 C and gravity separation at 100 C for 1 h
contained ¨0.3 wt.%
polymer. Therefore, the loss of polymer in the process is <5%. Upon dilution
and filtration the
polymer content in the bitumen may be decreased to <0.1 wt.%.
4.1. Enhancement of the Gravity Separation
The solubility of LDPE polymer in bitumen at 150 C is <0.03 wt.%. Therefore,
the theoretical
minimum polymer content in the bitumen achievable by gravity separation at
elevated temperatures
is more than one order or magnitude lower than that obtained in this study.
Effective removal
polymer from the bitumen is impeded by dispersion and emulsification of fine
droplets during the
mixing process. Coalescence of these fine droplets would produce larger
droplets that separate more
rapidly an efficiently. Increasing the likelihood of droplet collision and the
energy of the colliding
droplets are the most common strategies for inducing coalescence in emulsions.
The energy intensity
of the collisions may be increased by applying shear forces (through mixing)
or by application of
vortex and enhanced gravity (in a cyclone or centrifugal separator). The
likelihood of droplet
collision may be increased by sending the emulsion through narrow channels and
immobilizing
emulsion droplets by absorption on a provided surface. Using packing for
inducing droplet
coalescence is a well-established method commonly used in the chemical and
petroleum industries.
In order to test the viability of inducing coalescence in dilute
polymer/bitumen mixtures a 0.5 wt.%
polymer in bitumen emulsion was prepared and sent through a simulated packing
structure at 120 C.
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The two connected jar system described earlier was used for this experiment
and the packing
material was simulated by rolling a sheet of 100 mesh screen into a cylinder
and securing it between
the two Teflon insert between the two jars. The liquid in the top jar
containing 100 ml of 0.5%
LDPE in bitumen would pass through the rolled mesh packing once the system was
placed in an
oven at 120 C. The jar was rotated 3 times to allow for 3 passes of the liquid
through the packing in
the span of 30 min.
Microscopic images were obtained from the original sample after preparation
and the sample
obtained after passing through the packing at 120 C. The images are shown in
Fig. 40A and Fig.
40B, respectively. Almost all the emulsified polymer droplets in the original
sample had a diameter
of less than 10 p.m. On the other hand, the droplets sizes increased
dramatically upon passing
through the fine channels produced by the steel filaments of the rolled mesh
reaching diameter size
of more than about 10 p.m, for example a diameter size of up to about 50 p.m,
or more. These
results confirm the viability of achieving high levels of polymer removal by
addition of coalescence
inducing packings to the gravity separation vessel used for polymer/bitumen
separafion.4.2.
Properties of separated materials
The polymer-rich phase collected after a single stage of gravity settling
contained 60-70% bitumen.
The bitumen entrained in the polymer phase after gravity separation was
analyzed to determine
whether certain fractions of bitumen were preferentially sorbed by the polymer
phase. This would
have significant ramifications as possible preferential sorption of the
lighter fraction of bitumen
onto the polymer would diminish the quality of the separated bitumen product
which would be
depleted of lighter compounds. The boiling point distribution of the extracted
bitumen (by carbon
disulfide) and the original bitumen are plotted and compared in Fig. 41. The
boiling point data for
the extracted bitumen was corrected for the residual polymer content. As shown
in Fig. 41, there is
no significant difference in the boiling point distribution of the two samples
indicating that
preferential sorption of certain components of bitumen by the polymer is in
fact insignificant.
The separated bitumen phase, containing 0.4-0.5 wt.% residual polymer, and the
original bitumen
were subjected to a host of analysis to determine the impact of undergoing the
solidification and
subsequent melting and separation process on the properties of the recovered
bitumen. The test
methods used are listed in the following Table:
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
Table 7
Original Recovered
Test Method Parameter Unit
Bitumen Bitumen
mm2/s
ASTM D445 at 149 C Kinematic Viscosity 34.31 38.52
(cSt)
mm2/s
ASTM D445 at 25 C Kinematic Viscosity 211800 267800
(cSt)
mm2/s
ASTM D445 at 50 C Kinematic Viscosity 8752 11020
(cSt)
ASTM D4807 Sediment Mass % 0.025 8.39E-02
ASTM D5002M Density kg/m3 1013 1013
ASTM D5002M Measurement Temperature C 15.0 15
ASTM D6304 Water Content (mass %) 0/0 0.070 0.038
ASTM D664 - mg
Acid Number 3.49 4.11
CCQTA Modified KOH/g
ASTM D664 -
Type of End Point Inflection
Inflection
CCQTA Modified
ASTM D7169 Simulated Distillation Figure 41 Figure
41
ASTM D97 Pour Point C 17 18
Pentane Insolubles Asphaltene
GL-59 Mass % 15.6 16.4
Content
The viscosity, density, sediment and water content, total acid number (TAN),
boiling point
distribution, pour point (the minimum temperature at which oil flows), and
asphaltene content of
the original bitumen and the final product are reported in Table 7 and Fig.
39. The 20-25% increase
in the viscosity of bitumen as a result of undergoing the process is caused by
the possible loss of a
small fraction of the lighter components during the heating and transfer of
bitumen, possible
oxidation as a result of exposure of hot bitumen to air, as well as the
presence of the residual
polymer. This increase in viscosity is well within the variation range of the
viscosity of the bitumen
produced from the same site and is not expected to have a measurable impact on
the product value.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
The boiling point distribution of the bitumen recovered from the polymer phase
(extracted by
carbon disulfide) and the original bitumen are plotted and compared in Fig.
39. The boiling point
data for the extracted bitumen was corrected for the residual polymer content.
As shown in Fig. 39,
there is no significant difference in the boiling point distribution of the
two samples indicating that
preferential sorption of certain components of bitumen by the polymer is
insignificant.
Similarly, the change in the density and pour point of the bitumen upon
processing is also negligible.
Despite the similarity of the method used for determining the residual polymer
content and the
sediment content, only a fraction (<0.1%) of the residual polymer (measured at
0.4%) of the
recovered bitumen was accounted for in the sediment fraction. The apparent
increase in the
asphaltene content by 0.8% shows that the remainder of the residual polymer
most likely
precipitated with asphaltenes (the discrepancy in the values. Based on these
results asphaltene
precipitation may be considered as a potential method for removal of the
residual polymer from the
bitumen phase. The increase in the total acid number shown in Table 7 is
unexpected as LDPE
should not contain any organic acid compounds. Without being bound by any
theory, it is believed
that this increase may be caused by possible oxidation of a small fraction of
hot bitumen by the
residual air trapped in the mixing and separation jars.
As shown in Fig. 39, the boiling point distribution of bitumen recovered from
the polymer phase is
almost identical to that of the original bitumen confirming the conclusion
drawn from the results
shown in Fig. 41 that the separated polymer phase does not retain a certain
fraction of the bitumen.
These results demonstrate the potential of the devised process in reversing
the impact of bitumen
solidification by polymer addition with little impact on the quality of the
feed material.
5. Rate of addition of polymer
The rate of polymer addition to bitumen to produce a solid material with the
required properties
depend on the properties of bitumen and the polymer.
When wrapping the surface of the pellets produced by adding polymer to the
bitumen with a
polymer film, one can use low density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE has a tensile
strength (yield) of
1500-2000 psi and a tensile elongation at break of >300%, therefore, a very
thin wrapping film can
easily handle the stress exerted by the bed of solids on the pellet. Wrapping
the surface of the pellet
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with a maximal extent of 2" by 2" (diameter by height) using a 25 p.m thick
film of polyethylene
requires a wrap to filling ratio of <0.3% or <1 lb per bbl (barrel unit).
For an encased pellet, the shell needs to withstand the weight of the column
of pellets in the car or
the storage bin and the impact of falling from heights. The static pressure at
the bottom of a bed of
pellets can be calculated using the following equation:
P = Pbeagh
Where P is the pressure, g is the gravitational acceleration and h is the
height of the bed. Assuming a
density of 900 kg/m3 for the bed (10% void space) and a bed height of 5 m, the
pressure at the
bottom of the bed would be 44 kPa or 6.5 psi. Considering the effect of the
movement on the
pressure exerted on the material adjacent to the walls and in the middle of
the car the pressure
exerted on the bottom pellets would be in the range of 10-15 psi. It has been
shown that using
<10% polymer to encase ¨500 g of bitumen showed satisfactory mechanical
performance.
Assuming a 75% loss in the yield strength of LDPE as a result of exposure to
bitumen and repetitive
heating and cooling cycles, and a 50% variation in the wall thickness during
processing, the required
thickness of the shell for a 2" by 2" cylinder to handle 15 psi of pressure
would be 0.018" (<0.5
mm). This wall thickness would give a skin to filling mass ratio of 5%. The
ratio would be slightly
lower for a 4" by 4" cylinder. 6. Packing density in a railcar
Among the various shapes possible for pelletized materials, the theoretical
maximum packing
density (i.e., minimum void space between the pieces when placed in a
container in the most
efficient way) of cubes and cuboids are the highest. However, shapes with
sharp edges have
significantly lower mobility than round shapes. Among the shapes with an
adequate level of
mobility, spheres have the lowest theoretical packing efficiency with the
minimum void volume of
26%.
The theoretical maximum density for a system of identical cylinders may be
calculated by assessing
the void volume in the three possible patterns shown in Fig. 42A, Fig. 42B and
Fig. 42C for the
configuration of layers of cylinders with equal length and diameters adjacent
to one another. The
pattern in Fig. 42A is the most inefficient pattern with 25% void space, the
void space is 10% for
Fig. 42B and 12.5% for Fig. 42C. In practice, the packing efficiencies are
significantly lower than the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-05-14
theoretical values, as misalignment of objects during loading of a container
will likely significantly
increase the void space among the solid pieces.
In the case of rail transport, the movements during filling of the car will
likely result in a more or
less efficient minimization of the void space caused by misplacing of the
pellets. Therefore, the
packing efficiency of a bed of pellets in the rail car would be equal to that
of "random close
packing" of particles. Random close packing is defined as the maximum volume
fraction of solid
objects obtained when they are packed randomly. This value, which accounts for
randomness of the
packing caused by the fall of moving particles as well as the impact of
shaking or moving the
container in minimizing the void space, has been estimated through simulation
by many researchers
for various shapes of particles.
The packing density of cylinders and similar shapes such as spherocylinders
and ellipsoids is a
function of their shape factors such as length to diameter ratio. The maximum
theoretical values for
packing efficiencies (based on literature data) are in the range of 0.7-0.75
(25-30% void space) and
the densities are slightly higher for close packed spherocylinders compared to
ellipsoids.
Using a packing efficiency of 70% and an overall density of the packaged
material with 10-20%
LDPE (0.99-1 g/cm3) the weight capacity of a rail car may be calculated from
its volumetric
capacity. The weight of the bed of pellets filling a rail car with the
capacity of 4400 fe would be
about 86 metric tonnes (about 95 short tons). Therefore, the capacity of the
rail cars may be limited
by the volume, rather than the space for transportation of pelletized
solidified bitumen.
7. Test procedures
7.1 Angle of repose
The fluidity and dispersibility of the bitumen pellets can be assessed in the
context of unconfined
solid piles using the angle of repose as an indicator of the pellets'
fluidity. The angle of repose is the
angle formed between a horizontal plane and the slope line extending along the
face of a pile of
material. The angle of repose can be measured by a method that consists of
"pouring" the solid
bitumen pellets from a funnel onto a flat surface. As the bitumen pellets
accumulate, the funnel is
raised to avoid interfering with the top of the growing cone of material. The
funnel is raised at the
rate at which the cone grows such as to maintain the same distance between the
lower funnel
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extremity and the top of the cone. The pouring operation continues until the
cone reaches a desired
height H. After the pouring operation stops, the pile is left undisturbed for
5 minutes to let the
pellets settle. To determine the angle of repose, the width W of the cone base
is measured. Since the
cone has a circular base, the width would essentially be the diameter of the
cone base. To make the
test results more consistent and avoid variations due to non-uniform
distribution of the pellets at the
base of the cone angle, the width is measured at several angular positions
about the vertical cone
angle and the results averaged to obtain the W measurement. More particularly,
a diameter
measurement is made at each 20 degrees interval about the vertical axis, which
would result into 18
individual measurements, which are then averaged to obtain dimension W. The
angle of repose is
computed by the following formula:
Angle of repose = tan-1(2H/W)
The entire operation is repeated three times, where at each instance the
pellets are re-poured to re-
generate the pile completely and the angle of repose re-computed at each
instance to obtain three
separate measurements, which are then averaged to obtain a final angle of
repose value, which is
more consistent than a single measurement would be. It is to be understood
that the pellets used to
measure the angle of repose need to be identical or substantially identical.
This is achieved by
making the pellets by the same process and also the same equipment.
An angle of repose that is in the range of 20 degrees to 45 degrees has been
found advantageous
since that angle is produced with pellets that have a morphology providing
good fluidity and at the
same time sufficient retention on automated handling equipment, such as
conveyor belts. Good
fluidity is advantageous to allow the pellets to naturally flow by gravity to
fill a receptacle, such as a
railcar in which the pellets are to be transported to a remote location, or
discharged from a
receptacle. However, extreme fluidity is not always desirable because it will
make the pellets more
difficult to carry with a conveyor belt, which occasionally is oriented at an
angle in which case the
pellets may roll back on the conveyer due to gravity. The inventors have found
that an angle of
repose in the range of 20 to 45 degrees is a suitable compromise between these
two somewhat
conflicting requirements. More specifically, at an angle of repose of less
than 20 , the pellets are
very free-flowing which can result in undesirable slippage when the pellets
are conveyed on a belt
conveyor at a given angle. At an angle of repose of more than 45 , the pellets
become too cohesive
for proper handling.
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According to a specific and non-limiting example of implementation, the angle
of repose in the
range of 25 degrees to 40 degrees has been found to be advantageous. More
advantageously, the
angle of repose is in the range of 30 degrees to 40 degrees.
In principle, the angle of repose is independent of the value H. However, in
practice there are
certain extreme situations where an angle of repose measurement may not be
possible, in particular
when the value H is too small in relation to the maximal extent of the
pellets. To avoid these
situations, the minimal value H at which the above-described test should be
applied is 50 times the
maximal extent of the pellets. For example, for pellets having a maximal
extent of 3 inches the
minimal value H at which the angle repose can be computed is of 12.5 feet.
7.2 Burst-resistance
The burst-resistance test consists of progressively increasing the internal
pressure in the shell up to
the point at which the pressure will burst the shell. The test procedure
relies on ASTM
F1140/F1140M and consists of the following:
1. The test specimen is a sealed empty shell identical to the one used for
packaging the
produced solid bitumen pellets. The specimen is conditioned for 24 hours at a
temperature
of 20 C and at a humidity level of 40%.
2. The specimen conditioned at step 1 is tested for burst strength by using a
suitable pressure
tester, which subjects the pellet to a progressively increasing internal
pressure. The pressure
level at which the shell bursts is recorded and constitutes the burst pressure
of the pellet. An
example of a suitable pressure tester is the 2600 seal strength tester and the
1320 closed
package test fixture by Cobham. The test fixture includes a needle, which
punctures the
shell of the pellet to inject air in the shell, while the tester measures the
increasing pressure
and records the pressure at the moment the shell bursts.
Note that for the purpose of the present description, the above defined test
procedure will be
referred to as "Burst-resistance test".
According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 0.5 psi or more.
According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 5 psi or more.
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According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 10 psi or more.
.According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 30 psi or more.
.According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 40 psi or more.
According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 50 psi or more.
According to the invention, the burst pressure is of 75 psi or more.
7.3 Crush-resistance
The crush-resistance test consists of determining the height of a pellet load
that a test pellet can
support without failing. The test set-up requires providing a horizontal
ceramic or concrete support
surface, which constitutes an unyielding support. An open bottom test vessel
is erected to stand up
on the surface. The purpose of the open bottom vessel is to constrain the load
of pellets into a
vertical column that will create a pressure on multiple test pellets at the
very bottom of the column
to emulate the inter-pellet physical stresses that arise when the pellets are
arranged in a pile, such as
in a storage silo, a rail car or in the cargo hull of ship. The test procedure
is as follows:
1. 100 pellets to be simultaneously tested (herein referred as "test pellets
300"), which are all
made in a single batch or individually but in a sufficiently controlled
environment such as to
ensure a high degree of uniformity between the pellets are provided.
2. A sufficient quantity of load pellets 300' to create the desired column
height in the test vessel
is provided. The load pellets 300' are of identical construction to the test
pellets 300. To
allow distinguishing the test pellets from the load pellets, the load pellets
can be tagged with
an identification feature. One-way of tagging the test pellets 300 is to
incorporate a color in
the test pellets 300, namely with the addition of a dye.
3. The test pellets 300 are conditioned for 24 hours at a temperature of 20 C
and at a humidity
level of 40%.
4. The test vessel is provided. The dimensions of the test vessel are
determined on the basis of
the dimensions of the test pellets. The test vessel is cylindrical and its
diameter is
determined such that it can accommodate a horizontal layer of 100 test
pellets.
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5. The 100 test pellets 300 are arranged in substantially a single layer, to
rest on the support
surface at the bottom of the vessel. For pellets, which are not spherical, the
test pellets 300
are placed on the support surface in a random orientation such that different
sides of the test
pellets 300 face up, and thus different sides of the test pellets will be
exposed to the loading
by the pile of load pellets above. Once the 100 test pellets are put in place,
a sufficient
quantity of load pellets 300' are poured in the vessel, on top of the test
pellets 300 to achieve
a column of predetermined height. The set-up remains undisturbed for one hour.
The load
pellets 300' on top of the test pellets 300 are removed and the test pellets
300 are visually
examined individually to assess their structural integrity. Either one of the
following
conditions denotes a loss of structural integrity of a test pellet:
a. Damage to the shell that creates a pathway for the bituminous core to
escape is
considered to be a failure. For instance, a crack in the shell, or missing
shell pieces,
which expose the core, indicate a failure of the test. Note that other shell
damages,
even permanent deformations do not indicate a failed test as long as no direct
pathway is created for the bituminous material to escape through the shell.
Note that
for pellet configurations where the shell does not fully encase the bituminous
core, as
discussed in connection with the impact-resistance test, the opening in the
shell
made by design is not considered in assessing if the pellet fails or passes
the test.
Only the shell is observed and if there is a pathway through the shell to the
core as a
result of the impact, where no pathway previous existed, then that pathway is
indicative of a failure.
b. In the case of shell-less pellets, separation of the pellet into two
or more pieces. Note
that pieces smaller than 10% of the weight of the original pellet are ignored.
6. Each of the 100 test pellets is classified into respective pass/fail groups
based on the visual
examination of the pellet. The probability of failure per single pellet is
then computed. The
probability of failure is computed by dividing the number of pellets that have
failed by 100,
which is the total number of test pellets.
Note that for the purpose of the present description, the above defined test
procedure will be
referred to as "Crush-resistance test".
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According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 1 meter. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 1 meter.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 5 meters. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 5 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 10 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 10 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 15 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 15 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 20 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 20 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 30 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 30 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 40 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 40 meters.
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According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the load of pellets is of 50 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 50 meters.
7.4 Impact-resistance
For pellets that have bituminous core surrounded by an external shell,
irrespective of whether the
shell fully or partially encloses the pellet core, impact-resistance can be
assessed by performing a
modified ASTM D5276 test. Generally, the test procedure consists of dropping
the pellet from a
predetermined height on a hard, horizontal, flat and unyielding surface, such
as cement or ceramic.
After the drop, the pellet is visually observed, according to established
failure criteria to determine if
the shell has structurally failed. The details of the test procedure are as
follows:
1. 100 pellets, which are all made in a single batch or individually but in
a sufficiently controlled
environment such as to ensure a high degree of uniformity between the pellets
are provided.
2. The pellets conditioned for 24 hours at a temperature of 20 C and at a
humidity level of
40%.
3. The pellets conditioned at step 2 are individually dropped, one by one,
against the hard,
horizontal surface and inspected to ascertain the effect of the shock. For
pellets, which are
not spherical, the pellets are randomly oriented before the drop such that the
entire
population of 100 pellets is subjected to impacts at different locations on
the shell. An
acceptable procedure is to drop the pellets by hand. Each pellet is held in a
random
orientation and released carefully to avoid imparting a rotation to the
pellet.
4. After the impact, the condition of pellet shell is visually assessed to
determine if the shell still
retains it structural integrity. Damage to the shell that creates a pathway
for the bituminous
core to escape is considered to be a failure. For instance, a crack in the
shell, or missing shell
pieces, which expose the core, indicate a failure of the test. Note that other
shell damages,
such as scuffing, scratches, deformations such as depressions, do not indicate
a failed test as
long as no direct pathway is created for the bituminous material to escape
through the shell.
Note that there may be some pellet configurations where the shell does not
fully encase the
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bituminous core, by design. For instance, the shell may be hard enough and the
bituminous
core viscous enough such that an opening in the shell may be provided without
significant
risk of core leakage or oozing out under pressure. With such pellets, the
opening in the shell
is not considered in assessing if the pellet fails or passes the test. Only
the shell is observed
and if there is a pathway through the shell to the core as a result of the
impact, where no
pathway previous existed, then that pathway is indicative of a failure.
5. After the 100 pellets are individually dropped and visually assessed and
classified into
respective pass/fail groups, the probability of failure per single pellet is
determined. The
probability of failure is computed by dividing the number of pellets that have
failed the test
by 100, which is the total number of pellets.
For pellets that have no shell, which surrounds a bituminous core, the test is
the same as above,
however, different failure criteria are applied. Separation of the pellet into
two or more pieces as a
result of the impact denotes a failure. Note that pieces smaller than 10% of
the weight of the original
pellet are ignored.
Note that for the purpose of the present description, the above defined test
procedure, whether for
pellets with shells or for pellets without a shell, will be referred to as
"Impact-resistance test".
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the drop is of 1 meter. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment,
the probability of
failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed 0.15, or does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of 1 meter.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the drop is of 5 meters. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the probability of
failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed 0.15, or does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of 5 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the drop is of 10 meters. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the probability of
failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed 0.15, or does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of 10 meters.
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According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the drop is of 15 meters. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the probability of
failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed 0.15, or does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of 15 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the drop is of 20 meters. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the probability of
failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed 0.15, or does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of 20 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the drop is of 30 meters. For example, in one non-limiting
embodiment, the probability of
failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed 0.15, or does not
exceed 0.10, when the
height of the load of pellets is of 30 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the height of the drop is of 40 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 40 meters.
According to the invention, the probability of failure per pellet does not
exceed 0.25 when the
height of the height of the drop is of 50 meters. For example, in one non-
limiting embodiment, the
probability of failure per pellet does not exceed 0.20, or does not exceed
0.15, or does not exceed
0.10, when the height of the load of pellets is of 50 meters.
Other examples of implementations will become apparent to the reader in view
of the teachings of
the present description and as such, will not be further described here.
Note that titles or subtitles may be used throughout the present disclosure
for convenience of a
reader, but in no way these should limit the scope of the invention. Moreover,
certain theories may
be proposed and disclosed herein; however, in no way they, whether they are
right or wrong, should
limit the scope of the invention so long as the invention is practiced
according to the present
disclosure without regard for any particular theory or scheme of action.
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All references cited throughout the specification are hereby incorporated by
reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
It will be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present
specification, the term
"a" used before a term encompasses embodiments containing one or more to what
the term refers.
It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the
present specification, the
term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including," "containing," or
"characterized by," is
inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements
or method steps.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention pertains. In the case
of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
As used in the present disclosure, the terms "around", "about" or
"approximately" shall generally
mean within the error margin generally accepted in the art. Hence, numerical
quantities given herein
generally include such error margin such that the terms "around", "about" or
"approximately" can
be inferred if not expressly stated.
Although various embodiments have been described and illustrated, it will be
apparent to those
skilled in the art in light of the present description that numerous
modifications and variations can
be made. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred
embodiments set forth in
the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with
the description as a
whole. The scope of the invention is defined more particularly in the appended
claims.
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